TEAM NEWSEverton manager Ronald Koeman will reveal his team news at Friday’s 1pm press conference at Finch Farm.
The Blues boss will certainly be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin (ankle) and long-term absentees Yannick Bolasie and Muhamed Besic (both knee) for Sunday’s game against Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Ilkay Gundogan (knee) and Fernandinho (suspended) are the only definite absentees for the visitors, while Pep Guardiola waits to assess the fitness of Fernando, Leroy Sane and Vincent Kompany.
FORMThe Toffees will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing FA Cup third-round exit at the hands of Leicester City.
That defeat halted momentum following victories against Southampton and Leicester in the Premier League over the Christmas and New Year period.
Pep Guardiola’s side caught the eye with a 5-0 demolition of West Ham United in the FA Cup last time out.
That impressive performance followed a battling 2-1 win over Burnley to keep City within seven points of current league leaders Chelsea.
ONE TO WATCH: SERGIO AGUERO
One of the most prolific strikers in world football, Aguero surpassed City legend Colin Bell in the club’s all-time top goalscorer list last weekend.
His goal against West Ham United - the 154th since joining from Atletico Madrid in July 2011 - leaves him just behind Tommy Johnson (166) and current record holder Eric Brook (178).
The Argentina international got off to a flying start under Pep Guardiola this campaign, netting 11 goals in City’s opening six games.
And, despite missing seven games through injury and suspension, he has racked up a total 18 goals in 22 appearances so far this term.
Simon Bajkowski, who covers Manchester City for the Manchester Evening News, offers a detailed insight into the opposition in Sunday’s matchday programme.
He said: “Guardiola has pushed him since he arrived, opening him up to a new way of playing and that is something Aguero has responded to positively. He’s looked up for the challenge and he’s always hungry for goals. On his day, I think he’s the best forward in the Premier League - and his record certainly backs that up.”
TOURE PRAISES FORMER TEAMMATEManchester City’s Yaya Toure has hailed former midfield teammate Gareth Barry as “immense” ahead of Sunday’s game.
Barry spent four years at the Etihad Stadium between 2009 and 2013, helping the Citizens to FA Cup glory in 2011 to end the club’s 35-year wait for a major trophy.
“I know my former team-mate Gareth Barry is going to be immense and run everywhere,” Toure told mancity.com. “Everton are a very compact team, but we have to go their and win if we’re to remain in the title race this season.
“I’m expecting 90 minutes of fight. We know how difficult it is to play there – in my time at City we’ve only won twice in eight games at Goodison Park – but I think it will be a great match.”
MAN IN THE MIDDLE: MARK CLATTENBURG
The Durham-born official will be taking charge of his second match involving Everton of the season.
The last time he officiated a game involving the Blues was last month’s 2-1 home victory over Arsenal, a game that saw Phil Jagielka sent off in second-half stoppage time for a second bookable offence.
In all competitions, Clattenburg has officiated 20 games so far in 2016/17, with his most recent Premier League outing being West Bromwich Albion’s 3-1 home win over Hull City earlier this month.
In those matches, he has flashed 73 yellow cards and three red cards.
LIVE COVERAGEAs always, there will be free live audio commentary of Sunday’s contest here on evertonfc.com.
Click here to listen to broadcast duo Ian Snodin and Darren Griffiths’s coverage of the action on matchday.
Get involved in the live broadcast by tweeting in your questions and shout-out requests using #EFCLive.
In addition to our live commentary, look out for our matchday blog which will bring you the latest updates, imagery, video and team news from Goodison Park. Head to the match centre, the official App or the evertonfc.com homepage on matchday to find it.
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