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Everton vs. Manchester City: projected starting lineups

By Gary Pearson

Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; A game ball rests on the field prior to a corner kick by Seattle Sounders forward Andreas Ivanschitz (not pictured) against Toronto FC in the 2016 MLS Cup at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; A game ball rests on the field prior to a corner kick by Seattle Sounders forward Andreas Ivanschitz (not pictured) against Toronto FC in the 2016 MLS Cup at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tomorrow marks the debut of Everton’s marquee signing of the January transfer window, as Morgan Schneiderlin for the first time will be donning the Blues shirt.

Everton’s projected starting 11

Schneiderlin, Ademola Lookman, James McCarthy and Maarten Stekelenburg have all been declared fit, but their match readiness is still a question mark.

Schneiderlin has been watching on the sidelines at Old Trafford for most of the season and must be sitting on pins and needles with anticipation.

He should immediately slot into the heart of midfield, while McCarthy will most likely start on the bench. It will be interesting to see if Ronald Koeman inserts Lookman into the squad, but if so, he’ll definitely be watching from the touch-line.

Idrissa Gueye is still on Africa Cup of Nation duty but Stekelenburg has recovered from his dead leg and should replace Joel Robles in goal.

Gareth Barry will most likely start, especially due to Gueye’s absence. Tom Davies is in contention but will probably start on the bench. Koeman is a pragmatist and won’t likely risk starting Davies, an inexperienced, impressionable midfielder in a match against title contenders.

Manchester City’s projected starting 11

It’s always difficult to predict how Pep Guardiola is going to line up his starting team. We do know that Fernandinho is unavailable through suspension, so Pablo Zabaleta may be asked to, like he did against West Ham in the FA Cup midweek, fill in as a defensive midfielder.

Kevin De Bruyne has recovered from illness and, as always, will start.

New signing Gabriel Jesus will not feature as his registration has not gone through in time. Guardiola will most likely utilise 4-2-3-1 against Everton, which would look a lot like the below setup.

The likes of Nolito, Jesus Navas, Kelechi Iheanacho and the fit-again Leroy Sane provide further attacking options.

Next: Everton vs. Manchester City: keys to the match

Vincent Kompany is back in contention but probably won’t start on Sunday, Guardiola leaning towards pairing John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi after their strong display against the Hammers midweek. Kompany needs a bit more time but will take his starting spot back when he’s fighting fit. Then again, don’t be too surprised if Kompany is in the starting 11 tomorrow.

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