Everton's opening season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium has had its ups and downs.
The season-opening victory over Brighton, featuring a lovely bookend of goals by Iliman Ndiaye, who scored both the last goal at Goodison and the first at Hill Dickinson, was a highlight, as were wins over Forest, Burnley, and Chelsea.
A midseason run of poor form rubbed some of the shine off the new ground, proving Everton have work to do in order to make their new home a fortress like Goodison was for them.
Manchester City come to town later today, and both sides have plenty to fight for as the season nears its end: City at the top of the table, and Everton in the mid-table scrap for the final European positions.
But the visitors are a formidable foe, and David Moyes must be pragmatic in his set-up.
With that in mind, let's take a look at how he could line up his side for today's match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton's predicted starting XI v Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Jordan Pickford (GK): Probably in the running for Everton's Player of the Season award. England's no.1 will be important if the Blues want a result today.
Vitalii Mykolenko (LB): The Ukrainian's long term future at the club is still up in the air, but for the short term, he's likely to continue his starting role on the left.
Michael Keane (CB): Is this actually the practical choice against this City side? Probably not, but Moyes is going to do it anyway.
James Tarkowski (CB): As we often discuss, Tark is better with a more athletic partner next to him. Next to Keane, his flaws are more called out.
Jake O'Brien (RB): It would be awesome if O'Brien got a chance at his natural position before the year is done. It's doubtful it will happen today.
Midfielders
Idrissa Gana Gueye (CDM): Another current player with a slightly uncertain future. Continues to be a solid player in midfield for the Toffees.
James Garner (CM): Hasn't been as dynamic recently as he was earlier in the year, but still an important player for Moyes' side.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (CAM): Everton's signing of the season by a country mile. He'll need to seek out the ball today.
Forwards
Iliman Ndiaye (LW): It's been an odd season for the Senegal international, partially due to his AFCON appearance. He's still fourth on the team with six goals, but he's often been forced into places he isn't as comfortable.
Dwight McNeil (RW): This isn't the right move, since McNeil hasn't even been strong defensively, purportedly the reason he's starting over younger, better players. Charly Alcaraz started the reverse fixture, but he's not a winger.
Beto (CF): He's back from his concussion, so he has to be back in the starting lineup.
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