This week’s Saturday Night Football comes from the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City will aim to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea with victory over Everton.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side looked near their irresistible best during the 4-1 win over Sunderland in midweek and the champions will be seeking their fourth straight win in the league.
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In contrast, Everton were disappointing in a 1-1 draw against Hull at Goodison Park on Wednesday and were jeered off the field by their supporters.
Manager Roberto Martinez blamed fatigue for the lacklustre performance but Everton's schedule does not ease on the run to Christmas, with FK Krasnodar due on Merseyside in the Europa League next Thursday.
Team news
Jamie Redknapp looks ahead to City Everton
City striker Edin Dzeko and left-back Aleksandar Kolarov could return to the squad after overcoming calf injuries.
Captain Vincent Kompany (hamstring) and playmaker David Silva (knee) remain on the sidelines, while striker Stevan Jovetic is rested as a precaution after suffering a knock in the midweek win at the Stadium of Light.
There are no concerns about midfielder Yaya Toure although he missed training on Friday due to a sore throat.
Everton are set to welcome back defender Antolin Alcaraz, who missed the last six matches due to a shoulder problem.
Manuel Pellegrini is hopeful Vincent Kompany and David Silva will be fit to face Roma next week
Martinez does not expect Steven Naismith, James McCarthy (both hamstring) or Darron Gibson (knee) to be ready to make their comebacks this weekend, but Arouna Kone and Bryan Oviedo may feature as their return to full fitness continues.
Merson’s prediction
“I’ve been quite disappointed with Everton, if I’m being honest. I thought they had a bad result against Hull in midweek but Man City are flying again now. To have away games at Sunderland and Southampton and score seven goals; I think they’re back and I can’t see anything but a Man City win."
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (Sky Bet odds 10/1)
Ross Barkley is yet to score this season, but Roberto Martinez is confident that run will end soon
Opta Facts
Manchester City have kept just one clean sheet in their last 17 Premier League encounters with Everton.
Frank Lampard has scored three goals in his last three Premier League starts against Everton.
Romelu Lukaku has scored in both of his Premier League appearances for Everton against City.
Sergio Aguero has scored seven times in his last eight home league appearances for Man City.
Roberto Martinez has faced Manchester City 10 times in the Premier League as a manager, and never been on the winning side (D1 L9).
Romelu Lukaku has scored in both Premier League appearances for Everton against City.
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