TEAM NEWSEverton are boosted by the return of centre-back Antolin Alcaraz following his dislocated shoulder - but Steven Naismith, James McCarthy (both hamstring) and Darron Gibson (knee) are not expected to feature.
Manchester City are set to welcome striker Edin Dzeko and defender Aleksandar Kolarov back to the fold following their recoveries from calf injuries.
The Citizens, however, will be without captain Vincent Kompany and playmaker David Silva, who have hamstring and knee problems respectively. Steven Jovetic could also miss out having picked up a knock in midweek against Sunderland.
FORMManchester City have leaders Chelsea firmly in their sights following two impressive wins over Sunderland and high-flying Southampton.
However, Jose Mourinho's side still sit top of the Barclays Premier League, six points ahead of the reigning champions.
And the Manchester club have been on the end of some surprising results this season, most notably defeats against Stoke City and West Ham, followed by a draw with struggling Queens Park Rangers.
That said, Manuel Pellegrini’s men look to be back on track and go into Saturday's clash having picked up seven wins in their last nine games.
Everton, meanwhile, were unbeaten in eight before last weekend's defeat at Tottenham Hotspur. Wednesday's visit of Hull City resulted in a 1-1 draw.
CLASSIC MEETINGManchester City 1-2 Everton, 20 December 2010
Goals from Tim Cahill and Leighton Baines gave Evertonians an early Christmas present as they secured a memorable victory over Manchester City on a cold night at the Etihad.
It was a dream start for the Blues when Cahill headed home on four minutes following a cut back from Seamus Coleman.
Everton’s lead was doubled after 19 minutes when neat build-up from Victor Anichebe and Cahill was rewarded with left-back Baines curling home with his right foot.
A red card for Anichebe and a Phil Jagielka own goal gave the Toffees a tense second half but the visitors managed to hold on to get their first victory in eight games.
ONE-TO-WATCH: Sergio Aguero
At the age of 26, there isn’t much that Sergio Aguero hasn’t achieved.
Aged just 15 years and 13 days, Aguero become the youngest debutant in the Argentine Premier League – a record previously held by none other than Diego Maradona.
The striker won the Under-20 World Cup with Argentina in 2005, before joining Atletico Madrid the following year. His excellent form was rewarded which his first senior international cap in 2006.
While in Spain, Aguero led Atletico to Champions League qualification, achieved Europa League and Super Cup success and was named La Liga’s best foreign player in 2008, as well as picking up an Olympic Gold medal with his national side.
In 2011, Manchester City broke the club’s transfer record fee to bring Aguero to Eastland’s for a reported £38million and he has more than repaid that outlay, scoring 92 goals in 114 appearances since his move.
