Preview: Everton vs. Manchester City

Everton play host to second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend looking to get their season back on track after last weekend's humbling FA Cup defeat to Wigan Athletic.

The Toffees' bid for European football has fallen into jeopardy during a run of just two wins in their last six league outings.

Roberto Mancini's side have lost only once in their last six, but go into the game trailing league leaders Manchester United by 12 points.

Everton are without the services of defensive duo Phil Jagielka (ankle) and Tony Hibbert (calf), while first-choice goalkeeper Tim Howard is still out with a back injury, meaning Jan Mucha will make his third successive start.

City's Jack Rodwell will not line up against his former club due to a hamstring injury, while Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero are also likely to miss out.

Recent form

Everton: WLDLDL

Man City: WDDLWW

Possible starting lineups

Everton: Mucha; Coleman, Baines, Distin, Heitinga; Gibson, Fellaini, Osman, Pienaar; Mirallas, Jelavic

Man City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kolo Toure, Nastasic, Clichy; Garcia, Milner, Kompany; Silva, Dzeko, Yaya Toure

Sports Mole says: 1-2