manchester city
Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta celebrates his goal against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light Andrew Yates/Reuters

Manchester City host Everton at the Etihad stadium on Saturday as the Citizens look to build on their impressive form and close the gap on Chelsea for the league title.

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 5:30pm GMT. Live coverage of the game will be available on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD.

Overview

Manchester City are in buoyant form after overcoming a stubborn Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light without their regular centre-backs. Vincent Kompany was out nursing a hamstring injury while Eliaquim Mangala was suspended after picking up a red card against Southampton.

Mangala is set to return to the centre of defence but Kompany is still a few days away from full recovery, which can leave the City defence in jeopardy.

However, the Champions have coped well thus far, winning their last two games in commendable fashion with their strikers, especially Sergio Aguero in inspired form. David Silva is still out with an injury and may feature in their crucial Champions League clash against Roma in the weekend.

Meanwhile, Everton have managed only a single Premier League win in their last five games. Roberto Martinez, who galvanised the team into a potent outfit last season, has been found wanting for ideas but insists that the team will challenge for a Champions league position as the season rumbles on.

Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley will be an influence against Manchester City Getty

What Managers Say

Manuel Pellegrini: "We are only thinking about the match with Everton. It will be a difficult game and we must keep winning in the Premier League to close the gap on the leaders. After that then we can think about the next game (Roma)."

Roberto Martinez: "Are we miles away from the top four positions? No. We are six points away and you are looking at other teams fighting for the same aim and they are very close to us. I don't see that as a worry. We just want as many points as we can get to take us to the first third of the season and see where we are then and what we can fight for. It's been a very tough period for us but you didn't see a single player not giving 100 per cent [against Hull]."

Betting Odds (888Sport.com)

  • Manchester City to win: 6/13
  • Draw: 15/4
  • Everton to win: 59/10

Team Guide

Manchester City

  • Last Five (all competitions): D W W W W
  • Last Result: Sunderland 1-4 Manchester City

Everton

  • Last Five (all competitions): D W W L D
  • Last Result: Everton 1-1 Hull City

Team News

Manchester City

  • Injured: Dzeko (calf), Kolarov (calf), Silva (knee)
  • Doubtful: Vincent Kompany
  • Suspended: Eliaquim Mangala

Possible XI: Hart, Zabaleta, Demichelis, Boyata, Clichy, Toure, Fernandinho, Lampard, Nasri, Navas, Aguero

Everton

  • Injured: Darron Gibson (knee), Bryan Oviedo (knee), John Stones (ankle), Antolin Alcaraz (shoulder)
  • Doubtful: N/A
  • Suspended: Gaston Ramirez

Possible XI: Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Barry, Osman; Barkley, Mirallas, Naismith; Lukaku

Manchester City FC