Kevin de Bruyne To Start? | 4-3-3 Manchester City Predicted Lineup Against Everton | OneFootball

Manchester City will travel to Goodison Park to face Everton in their upcoming game in the English Premier League. City are fifth in the points table with 55 points in 32 matches. They have won 16 matches, drawn seven, and lost nine games so far in the league. Pep Guardiola’s side beat Crystal Palace 5-2 in their previous game in the Premier League.

During the last 56 meetings, Everton FC have won 18 times, there have been 11 draws, while Manchester City have won 27 times. Akanji (injured), Ake (injured), Rodri (fitness), and Haaland (injured) are set to miss the game. Ederson’s and Foden’s fitness are questionable for this game. In this article, let us take a look at the predicted lineup of City for this game.

4-3-3 Manchester City Predicted Lineup Against Everton:

Defense:

Manchester City are set to play a backline of Ortega, Lewis, Dias, Gvardiol, and O’Reilly. The unit feels robust but untested as a unit. Ortega’s reflexes are sharp, though he is less commanding than Ederson. Dias is the rock, organizing with authority, but his partner, Gvardiol, can overcommit going forward, leaving gaps.

Lewis brings youthful energy at right-back, yet Everton’s physicality might expose his inexperience. O’Reilly’s versatility adds balance, but cohesion is a question mark. Everton’s direct, counter-attacking style will probe for errors. If Dias marshals the line tightly and Lewis stays disciplined, City should hold firm. Any misstep, though, could let Everton sneak through.

Midfield:

City’s midfield trio of Kovacic, Gonzalez, McAtee, and Gundogan offers control and creativity. Kovacic’s composure and ball retention are key in breaking Everton’s press, but he lacks Rodri’s defensive bite. Gundogan’s experience and incisive passing can dictate tempo, though his legs aren’t what they were. McAtee’s flair and forward runs add dynamism, but he’s still raw. Gonzalez’s work rate ties it together, yet he’s not a game-changer. Everton’s compact setup will demand patience and precision. If Gundogan and Kovacic dominate possession, City will carve openings. But if Everton disrupt their rhythm, this midfield could struggle to impose itself.

Attack:

With De Bruyne as a false nine, flanked by Marmoush and McAtee, City’s attack is fluid but unconventional. De Bruyne’s vision and passing can shred Everton’s defense, though he is not a natural finisher. Marmoush’s pace and trickery on the wing will stretch Everton thin, but his end product can be inconsistent. McAtee, drifting inside, adds unpredictability, yet his decision-making needs polish. Without Haaland’s focal point, City rely on intricate interplay. Everton’s low block will test their patience, but if De Bruyne’s magic flows and Marmoush exploits gaps, they will score.