Preview
The infamous 'bogey' team are on their way, and the timing could not be worse.
The Toffees remain the only unbeaten team in the league and boast a sweet record against the sky blues.
The perspicacious Roberto Martinez has proven to be an inspired appointment by Bill Kenwright and the loan signings of Gerard Deulofeu, Manchester City's own Gareth Barry and Romelu Lukaku have made the Merseysiders a potent force so far this season. The Belgian bulldozer has already netted three times for the Toffees; a stat that will raise questions over Jose Mourinho's selection policy.
Gareth Barry in an Everton shirt.
Seventeen Premier League victories in thirty-two confrontations against Pellegrini's men makes a return to winning ways uncomfortably unlikely for the side that were dealt sickening blows by both Aston Villa and Bayern Munich in their last two games. The Chilean has now seen enough of his side to make an educated decision on a consistent line-up as some players have stepped up to the plate, and others have not.
Joe Hart is just one of the players with a question mark above his head. His shaky performance against Bayern Munich in mid-week sparked a predictably dramatic media frenzy to which both Manuel Pellegrini and England boss Roy Hodgson professionally shrugged off.
Joe Hart looks disappointed after City's 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich.
'Of course, he (Hart) feels he didn't do very well...' the Chilean said in an interview with Sky Sports News, 'but I think he doesn't have any problem' he added. Pellegrini has still refused to make a definite decision as to whether Hart will start on Saturday afternoon, but the England stopper is expected to retain his place.
It's a must win for the blues in Saturday's early kick off as they look to replenish their march towards the Premier League title. City may be in the limelight at present, but talks of a crisis at the club are beyond ridiculous.
It's vital that the team gets back to winning ways and there's no better way to do so than against a side we love to lose against.
COME ON CITY!
2-1
Line-Up
James Milner, Alvaro Negredo and David Silva made encouraging returns to action late in the game against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night. However, choosing who to drop from City's midfield will be a tough task for the manager.
David Silva made a return from injury against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.
Alvaro Negredo is expected to take Edin Dzeko's place alongside Sergio Aguero after netting a delicious consolation against the European Champions whilst Stevan Jovetic is set to miss out once against with a slight knock.
Jack Rodwell is unavailable to face his old side with yet another injury and Joe Hart will be looking to redeem himself after an insecure performance against Bayern.
Key Players
David Silva
The elegance and grace of the Spaniard is what City have been lacking in midfield and his return to the squad can only bring positives. Carving open Everton's defence and supplying Sergio and Alvaro will be a responsibility that lies on his shoulders and he is expected to replace either Samir Nasri or Jesus Navas in the midfield.
Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian has already proven himself in the Premier League with a successful stint at West Brom. He was expected to lead Chelsea's line this season but surprisingly didn't convince Jose Mourinho enough to start in his team. However, the 'happy one' will be kicking himself after watching the youngster net three times in two games for his new club and he'll relish the opportunity of facing his international captain Vincent Kompany at the Etihad on Saturday.
