Everton predicted lineup vs Manchester City: Joshua King and Allan start, Sigurdsson benched

Michael Keane and Yerry Mina must return as the centre back pairing.

Defence:

Right back: Mason Holgate

Mason Holgate had a forgetful evening against Fulham, embodying the entire team’s performances. Seamus Coleman started in the right back role but didn’t offer much on the attacking front and was bland defensively. It’s hard to admit but the Irishman is way past his prime days. Holgate has filled in at right back has done a satisfactory job most of the times. He’s not flashy or doesn’t involve himself too much while going forward but adds solidity in defence.

Centre back: Michael Keane

Ancelotti rotated his centre backs in the last game and opted to start Ben Godfrey and Holgate. The constant tinkering has not worked well with the backline and disrupted any momentum that was formed previously. Keane needs to return to the starting lineup as he seems to be the most trustable option in the central defence.

Centre back: Yerry Mina

Yerry Mina was also rested against the Cottagers but should make a comeback to the team against the league leaders. Even though Manchester City are not a team that rely on long balls, Mina’s aerial prowess will be important for Everton. The front three of Manchester City can create all sort of problems and Mina will have to be always alert and prevent such situations.

Left back: Lucas Digne

Lucas Digne at left back gives the team some outlet in the defence that can join the attack. Holgate, on the right flank, cannot be the one trusted to dart balls inside the box or to combine with the forwards but that job can be carried out by the Frenchman.

Despite being plagued by an injury that sidelined him for almost a month and a half, Digne has been one of the best players for the club this season. There have been shaky performances recently but the Frenchman is capable of getting past such hiccups and mount strong performances.