Despite having a rollercoaster season under Carlo Ancelotti, Everton still have the chance to win a major silverware but for that, they will have to beat Man City in the FA Cup quarterfinals this weekend.
The Toffees are still very much alive in the Premier League top-four race but they will have an uphill task in beating Pep Guardiola’s side on Saturday since they go into this match at the back of two consecutive losses, first to Chelsea and then at the hands of Burnley.
It’s been five years since Everton last reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup but the kind of form that Manchester City are in right now, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will have to perform out of their sinks for them to be able to cause an upset.
The manager has some key players missing from Saturday’s game due to injuries but the Italian does have a deep enough squad to be able to name a solid starting XI.
Everton team news vs Man City:
Jordan Pickford in ruled out for this match and also from the upcoming England internationals and if this was not enough bad news then backup keeper Robin Olsen is also facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday’s game.
If Olsen is not 100% fit to play then youngster Joao Virginia will have to come in as the No 1 at Goodison Park.
Yerry Mina remained on the bench for the Burnley defeat but he’s expected to partner Michael Keane in central defence this weekend. Godfrey is going to shift into the right-back role which means Holgate will start on the bench.
Abdoulaye Doucouré is ruled out with an ankle injury while James Rodriguez is also not going to recover from his calf problem meaning Tom Davies and Andre Gomes will partner Allan in central midfield with Sigurdsson playing in the more advanced role.
Alex Iwobi can also play as the attacking midfielder in place of Sigurdsson but we don’t think Ancelotti will be too eager to use him after his average performance against Burnley.
The front-two for Everton select themselves with Richarlison partnering young Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton’s predicted line-up vs Man City:
Predicted Starting Line-up: Olsen; Yerry Mina, Keane, Godfrey, Digne; Allan, Gomes, Davies, Sigurdsson/Iwobi; Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison.
Injury updates courtesy Premier Injuries.
