Predicted Everton XI to face Manchester City

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Everton take on Manchester City in the Premier League tonight and are in pursuit of a fifth straight victory in the competition.

After a tricky period in November, the Toffees are back on track and are currently flying high in second place in the table.

Impressive victories over Chelsea, Leicester City and Arsenal have restored the feel-good factor for Evertonians and there is genuine optimism that Carlo Ancelotti can deliver a fine season in 2020/21.

But tonight’s game is as tough as they come.

Manchester City are beginning to find some form, meaning the Toffees will need a huge performance to get something from the game.

It’s a quick turnaround, so Ancelotti could ring the changes.

Jordan Pickford should retain his place, and the back four likely won’t change, with Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey all looking solid at the moment.

In midfield though, £22 million star Andre Gomes (BBC Sport) may come in for this one as Abdoulaye Doucoure‘s midfield partner.

Tom Davies did very well against Sheffield United and it’d be harsh of Ancelotti to bench him, but the Italian may need some fresher legs in there, and Doucoure is too important to be rested for such a game.

Gylfi Sigurdsson has been the match-winner in each of the last two games and deserves another start.

With Richarlison and James Rodriguez ruled out through injury, Ancelotti may hand Bernard a start with the Brazilian fresh and likely raring to go.

The £120,000-a-week star (Spotrac) missed out against Sheffield United, but might be preferred to young Anthony Gordon for what would be only a second Premier League start.

Alex Iwobi could again feature on the right, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the line.