Manchester City are furiously trying to keep pace with their rivals in the Premier League and their supporters here in the Tavern are pleased with how things are going as the season progresses!
After a stonking victory over West Ham in the FA Cup this week, interest turns back to the Premier League this weekend as Manchester City travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton.
The Toffees have European aspirations of their own and after a decent start to the campaign, they’ll be keen to continue adding to their points total in their attempts to reach the top six come the end of the season.
But City will need to pick up as many points as possible if they are to keep pace with the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table and the game against Everton will be a must win this weekend.
So, armed with some advice from our City regulars here in the pub, here’s our City XI that we think will destroy Everton on Sunday…
GK: Claudio Bravo
He’s come in for his fair share of criticism already this season but there is little doubting Claudio Bravo remains City’s No.1 for the season ahead.
The former Barcelona man is an excellent shot-stopper and will be a decent defence as Everton try and score through the likes of Romelu Lukaku this weekend.
RB: Pablo Zabaleta
Pablo Zabaleta moved into midfield for City’s 5-0 demolition of West Ham this week but we’re expecting him to return to right-back for the game against Everton on Sunday.
The Argentine is as reliable as they come in defence and he’ll be more than up to the task of keeping the likes of Mirallas and Barkley quiet on the day.
CB: John Stones
The City fans here in the Tavern are extremely excited about John Stones’ continued development and who can blame them?
He’s destined to go on and become one of England’s brightest ever centre-backs and is surely set to start the game against Everton and he’ll be keen to impress against his former employers too.
CB: Nicolas Otamendi
Argentine international Nicolas Otamendi has been a real mainstay in this City side in the continued absence of Vincent Kompany and he’s done well in recent weeks.
He took a little slack from some of the regulars in the pub when he first joined, but he’s looking more and more the complete player that City need at the heart of the defence.
LB: Gael Clichy
Seasoned defender Gael Clichy slotted in at left-back for the Cup game against West Ham but he was rarely tested by a Hammers side that really struggled to get at him throughout.
But he’ll face a sterner test against an Everton side that are definitely capable of scoring goals.
CM: Yaya Toure
Yaya Toure is back in the Manchester City side and looks a really big player going forward for the Citizens.
City fans here in the Tavern certainly wanted him back in the team from the start of the campaign and now he’s back in Guardiola’s first-team plans, the XI is looking more solid by the week.
CM: David Silva
David Silva was man-of-the-match during the game against West Ham United and he’s more than worthy to keep his place in the lineup for the game against Everton on Sunday.
He brings so much creativity to the team and his ability to move the ball forward and bring his colleagues into the game is absolutely unbeatable.
RM: Nolito
Spanish wide man Nolito is a consistent option to play out wide on the wing and he brings plenty of skill to the flank when called upon by manager Pep Guardiola.
He’s probably not had as much game-time as he would have liked but when he gets his opportunity, he’s got to take it with both hands.
CAM: Kevin De Bruyne
Former Chelsea man Kevin De Bruyne has become arguably the biggest player in this Manchester City side and his class in the forward line has been a big part of City’s success this season.
He creates assists like nobody’s business and is certainly a favourite here in the Tavern too.
LM: Raheem Sterling
England winger Raheem Sterling has been a mainstay in this City XI for most of the season and his pace, directness and skill have been vital for the Citizens on many occasions this term.
He brings striker Sergio Aguero into the game on plenty of occasions and links up well with his fellow forwards.
ST: Sergio Aguero
Argentine international Sergio Aguero is back fighting fit and his form going through to the rest of the season will arguably define City’s season.
If he can get firing again, his goals could take the Citizens back towards the summit of the Premier League and potentially to the title as well.
He’ll be looking to grab a couple of goals against the Toffees for sure.
