Driven by the new exciting bunch of players, Pep Guardiola’s new season started with huge expectation and the Sky Blues lived up to the billing by dominating the proceedings against Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening day.
Guardiola’s men defeated the Seagulls 2-0 although the result could have been different in favour of the mighty Manchester outfit. Guardiola saw a spirited attacking display by his side but a low conversion rate has already been a matter of concern for him.
Guardiola’s managerial ship has been put under scrutiny and for the first time in his career, the Spanish gaffer had to finish a season without winning a trophy. The manager will be adamant to make his mark this time having failed to set the ball rolling last season.
Everton will be jubilant after their Europa League win over Hajduk Split and will be looking to carry on their form into this game. Koeman might need time to see all of his signings coming into the game with their respective contribution and it would be the perfect opportunity for them to conquer the stage.
Injury News and Predicted Lineups
Manchester City
Pep doesn’t have any fresh injury concerns and is expected to field the same lineup that faced Brighton in the first match. Ilkay Gundogan is close to a return after getting a few minutes against sister club Girona but won’t feature in this match.
Same goes for summer arrival Benjamin Mendy and Fabian Delph and Pep has to wait for a little bit more to have his full squad at his disposal.
Ederson; Otamendi, Kompany, Stones; Fernandinho; Danilo, D. Silva, De Bruyne, Walker; Jesus, Aguero
Everton
The Toffees have a pretty long injury list as Ross Barkley, Aaron Lennon, Ramiro Funes Mori, Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy and Yannick Bolasie have been ruled out for this match.
New signing Gylfi Sigurdsson should be gearing himself for a start against City.
Pickford; Keane, Jagielka, Williams; Baines, Schneiderlin, Gueye, Sigurdsson; Klaassen, Rooney; Sandro
Key Players
Wayne Rooney
During his time at Old Trafford, the English forward had always been a threat against City and Koeman would like to rely on his experienced star. Rooney loves scoring against the Sky Blues and he would be hoping to carry on the norm.
Gabriel Jesus
The young Brazilian made a thumping start to his Premier League career and has been a centrifugal focus in Guardiola’s plans. A little bit of attention towards his finishing would be of much help for the youngster who has been likened to Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
