Man City vs Everton: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Manchester City are looking for a late Christmas present when they host Everton in the Premier League on Boxing Day.

The reigning Premier League champions are in dismal form and suffered another confidence-sapping defeat to Aston Villa last time out. Pep Guardiola's side were outplayed and outfought in the Midlands and have now won just once in their last 12 outings in all competitions.

The defeat at Villa Park has seen them fall to seventh in the Premier League table, behind the likes of Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest. If they don't turn their fortunes around soon, they will face a challenging scrap for top four.

A home fixture against Everton may seem straightforward for the Cityzens but Sean Dyche's stubborn Toffees have picked up points against Arsenal and Chelsea in their last two matches. Goalless draws against the London behemoths have moved them four points clear of the relegation zone.

Here is 90min's guide to a crucial match for Man City on Boxing Day.

Man City vs Everton H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Man City vs Everton on TV - UK and US

Man City team news

Ruben DIas is missing for the next few weeks / Carl Recine/GettyImages

Injuries have been plaguing Man City throughout the current campaign and they are missing several key first-team players for Thursday's meeting with Everton. Rodri and Oscar Bobb are long-term absentees, while Ruben Dias will miss out with a muscle injury that won't see him return until mid-January at the earliest.

Ederson missed the weekend's defeat to Villa with a leg injury and Stefan Ortega could be called upon again on Thursday. Matheus Nunes was also unavailable at Villa Park with a knock but should feature in the matchday squad against the Toffees.

John Stones was withdrawn at half-time against Villa as he continues to suffer with a foot injury. He's a major doubt to feature at the Etihad on Boxing Day.

Man City predicted lineup vs Everton

Man City predicted lineup vs Everton (3-2-4-1): Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Ake; Lewis, Kovacic; Savinho, De Bruyne, Foden, Doku; Haaland.

Everton team news

Dwight McNeil could miss out against Man City / Alex Livesey/GettyImages

Everton have been without their chief creator for the past two matches against Arsenal and Chelsea, with Dwight McNeil unlikely to feature at the Etihad due to a knee injury. He joins James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam in the treatment room.

Ashley Young will miss Thursday's fixture after collecting his fifth yellow card of the Premier League season against Chelsea. Fellow veteran Seamus Coleman will replace him at right-back.

Loanee striker Armando Broja is available once more from the bench after being ineligible to face his parent club at the weekend.

Everton predicted lineup vs Man City (4-4-1-1): Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Gueye, Mangala, Ndiaye; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin.

Man City's woes have been compounded by some awful performances and results in recent weeks, with both their attack and defence suffering from a lack of confidence. They've struggled breaking down their opposition and looked far too open in transition when they surrender possession.

Everton have proven their ability to grind out results against the division's big-hitters during recent matches and Thursday's post-Christmas duel is unlikely to be a thriller. It will be a game of fine margins but the might of Man City might just shade a tight affair against a stubborn and well-organised defence.