Early Everton team news vs Man City: Star duo could return, mainstay could join Jack Grealish out
Everton travel to Manchester City for their next Premier League match on Saturday.
Everton’s 2-1 over Crystal Palace means they sit eighth in the Premier League after seven matches.
Jack Grealish will be unavailable against Man City as he is not allowed to play against his parent club, meaning Everton will have to look towards alternatives.
They’ve had to deal with their fair share of injuries this season, but David Moyes faces some positive news ahead of the clash at the Etihad.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Merlin Rohl could return, Michael Keane remains out
Branthwaite is yet to play for Everton this season due to a serious thigh injury, yet there is a possibility he could return to action against Man City.
The same can be said for summer signing Merlin Rohl, who suffered a hip injury after briefly coming on against Aston Villa in September, but could also feature on 18 October.
Injury expert Ben Dinnery has claimed that both players could potentially return for the trip to Manchester.
Branthwaite’s fellow centre-back, Michael Keane, could be unavailable as a result of a concerning rib injury picked up before the international break.
Whilst Grealish will have to watch from home, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will return to the starting line-up.
Dewsbury-Hall was controversially suspended for the Palace match, but he can now resume his brilliant form in attacking midfield.
The likely confirmed absence of Keane alongside Grealish is a huge blow for Everton, as they look to claim a historic victory at the Etihad on Saturday.
- Read more: Everton will only recall Harrison Armstrong on one condition as David Moyes issued loan warning
Everton can break 14-year voodoo at the Etihad
Everton have not won an away match against Man City since December 2010, when Moyes’ side secured a 2-1 victory.
Not only have Everton failed to beat the Citizens in their last 16 meetings, but they have only recorded two draws in that period.
One of those came last season when Iliman Ndiaye’s goal earned the Toffees a valuable point at the Etihad, following Jordan Pickford’s penalty save from Erling Haaland.
Everton’s head-to-head vs Man City:
- Wins: 68
- Draws: 49
- Losses: 82
Saturday’s match is one of the toughest on Everton’s calendar, yet a win could leave fans believing that achieving European football next season is not out of the question.
However, without some of their key stars, Everton will have to be faultless against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Everton news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @goodisonnews