Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could reinstate Kevin De Bruyne to the starting lineup when they face Everton at the Etihad on Boxing Day.

De Bruyne was an unused sub in their 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League last weekend, extending their run of form to just one win in 12.

After another toothless performance though, more personnel changes could be in store, including out wide, where Jeremy Doku and Savinho may come into the side to add some direct pace in the face of a stubborn Everton rearguard.

They will all look to provide opportunities for Erling Haaland, who has now scored just once in six games, and been overtaken by Mohamed Salah at the top of the goalscoring charts, but he did score both goals in this fixture last season.

Phil Foden netted his first Premier League goal of the season late on against Villa, in what has been a bizarre drop off from one of the division's best players, but he will hope to build on that with another fine performance here.

Most of City's injury concerns come in defence, despite being able to welcome Nathan Ake back to the matchday squad last week.

Former Everton man John Stones looks set to miss out facing his previous employers after he was forced off at half time with discomfort in his foot, while Ruben Dias is also set for a few weeks out with a muscle issue.

Goalkeeper Ederson was also not a part of the squad at Villa due to illness, but his drop off in form means Stefan Ortega could well be the number one going forward anyway.

Further forward, Matheus Nunes is a doubt with a knock, while Oscar Bobb and Rodri remain on the treatment table long term.

Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Kovacic; Savinho, Foden, Doku; Haaland

Click here to see how Everton could line up for this all-North West encounter. body check tags ::