Match preview: Man city Vs Everton

Roberto Mancini's City side began the new campaign in devastating fashion, scoring wins over Swansea and Bolton before an emphatic 5-1 triumph at Spurs last month.

They followed up with a 3-0 defeat of Wigan before dropping their first points of the campaign at Fulham last weekend.

The Sky Blues also enjoyed a 2-0 win over Birmingham in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, with injury-plagued midfielder Owen Hargreaves scoring a sensational long-range goal on debut.

The match was also notable for the return of defender Kolo Toure, who returned from a six-month suspension for testing positive for a banned substance.

David Moyes' Everton side are also in good form heading into the encounter, and after a surprise defeat to Queens Park Rangers in their first game of the season, they have since claimed seven points out of nine, most recently with a 3-1 win at home against Wigan.

Moyes may have some concern over the freshness of his players, however, with Everton forced into extra time before finally overcoming West Brom 2-1 in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

Both managers have few concerns on the injury front.

Everton forward Victor Anichebe's injured groin will likely keep him out, while strike partner Louis Saha is out of favour with Moyes after reacting poorly to being dropped after his own comeback from injury.

James Milner's return from concussion as a substitute in the Birmingham match cases Mancini's concerns in midfield, but Nigel de Jong is still battling a foot injury.


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