Despite missing the chance to move second in the league before the international break, there’s plenty of optimism still buzzing around Goodison Park.

The Everton fans in the pub are feeling pretty good about things going forward too, after all, 14 points from 21 available is a pretty decent effort to get things going.

And with a massive game against Manchester City coming up this weekend, it’s another fantastic opportunity to pick up three points against one of the league’s best.

Pep Guardiola’s side proved they can be beaten having lost at White Hart Lane a couple of weeks ago, and the Toffees will be looking to get three points at the Etihad, despite many tipping the Citizens to win.

And we think Ronald Koeman’s side are more than capable of grabbing three points against a City side, who might be about to falter for the first time in Pep’s reign.

So with that in mind, here’s our Everton XI that we think will come away victorious this weekend…

GK: Maarten Stekelenburg

Dutch international goalkeeper Martin Stekelenburg has already hinted that he’s at Everton for the long-term and after signing this summer, he’s featured nine times already this season.

Joel Robles hasn’t had a sniff and it’s clear the former Roma keeper is Koeman’s favourite shot-stopper going forward.

RB: Seamus Coleman

Whilst Seamus Coleman’s form has been steady rather than superb this season, the Republic of Ireland international has still been pretty good for Ronald Koeman so far this campaign.

He offers so much going forward with his pace and power and will hope to keep getting better and better this time out too.

CB: Phil Jagielka

Now in his ninth season with the Toffees, Phil Jagielka has been pretty irreplaceable since joining the club back in 2007. Give him credit, many players have come and gone but he’s remained loyal to the Everton cause and has featured seven times already this campaign.

CB: Ashley Williams

Finally got his transfer away from Swansea this summer and he’s probably glad too- his former employers are seriously struggling at the wrong end of the table.

But he’s settled into life at Goodison Park quite nicely and has formed a decent little partnership with Phil Jagielka.

LB: Bryan Oviedo

Costa Rican international Bryan Oviedo has been somewhat of a squad player at Everton over the past four years but under new manager Ronald Koeman, he’s been given plenty of chances to shine.

It looks like he’s ready to force his way into the first-team fold for good and he’ll battled Funes Mori for the left-back berth this season.

CDM: Idrissa Gueye

The easiest pick in this team, Idrissa Gueye has been simply fantastic for the Toffees so far this season.

He’s out-performed every other Premier League midfielder so far and has even knocked N’Golo Kante from the limelight as he’s gained more and more attention.

If there is one player that can turn the game against City in Everton’s favour, it’s Gueye.

CDM: Gareth Barry

Will relish the chance of playing against his former club and even at 35, Gareth Barry is still pulling the strings in the heart of the Everton midfield.

Oozes quality and his range of passing is a real asset in this Toffees side.

RM: Kevin Mirallas

Has had to settle for a part-bit role at times this season but we think the best way to get at City is to get at their defence which at times, has looked shaky.

Aleksander Kolarov has looked far from solid and we want to see Belgian international midfielder Kevin Mirallas deployed to make his day as uncomfortable as possible.

CAM: Ross Barkley

Despite having a tough start to the campaign, we’re tipping Ross Barkley to really pick up the pace against Manchester City at the Etihad.

If he has any hope of making the England starting XI in the near future, he’ll need to rediscover his best form. When at his best, he’s arguably one of the best in the division.

LM: Yannick Bolasie

Yannick Bolasie has added another dimension of talent to the Toffees forward line having joined from Crystal Palace this summer, and his addition is already having an effect in the team.

His movement causes real problems for opposition teams and he’ll relish the chance to run at John Stones and co.

ST: Romelu Lukaku

There is only one man to lead this Everton forward line and that’s Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian beast has a fantastic opportunity to really show his competitors just how good he is going forward and at the Etihad, all eyes will be on him.

If Everton are to come away from the North West with the win, Lukaku will have to be ready to perform.