Nov 30, 2012 02:46 AM EST
Manchester City vs Everton: Preview, Team News, Injuries, Predictions and Expected Lineups

If there is one thing that Manchester City have shown this season, it is they can win ugly and get the right results even if they might not deserve it.

City's Manchester rivals United have been masters at that art for decades, and it is that ability which has seen both teams go clear of the rest of the pack in the English Premier League.

In what is increasingly looking like it is going to be a two-horse race, City, who remain the only unbeaten team in the Premier League, will be keen to keep the pressure on United, knowing a win against Everton at the Etihad Stadium will take them two points clear of Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who travel to Reading in the late game on Saturday.

Man City were far from convincing in the midweek match against Wigan, but found a way to get all three points thanks to two timely goals from Mario Balotelli and James Milner. The strength in depth that City possess could be the difference maker when the 38 games are played at the end of May.

"It was a professional job," midfielder Gareth Barry said after the game.

"The first-half was so tough and the pitch was so hard-going and there were a lot of stray passes but we ground it out in the second half."

How Roberto Mancini uses his considerable wealth of talent, particularly with the midweek Champions League games not a concern anymore, will also play a major part.

Without doubt, despite United's attacking talents, City have the best squad in the Premier League, and another surge in the Christmas period is well in order, keeping in mind the amount of fixtures that awaits them.

Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero have gone off the boil a little bit in recent games, and along with Yaya Toure, who has also not quite been himself, the duo will be keen to get back to the early season form, particularly Tevez, who has found himself on the bench in the last few games.

Everton were well worth the point against Arsenal at Goodison Park in midweek, and with their trump card Marouane Fellaini in their lineup, they will give any team a run for their money.

David Moyes' side look like serious contenders for a top four spot, and the Toffees will be keen to maintain their push with a positive result in the fortress that is the Etihad.

Team News: Gael Clichy and Jack Rodwell are still doubtful, while Balotelli will look to keep his place in the starting lineup. James Milner is ruled out after picking up an injury against Wigan.

For Everton, their best player this season Leighton Baines is a major doubt after picking up an injury in the Arsenal game. "I think Leighton Baines has got a bit of a hamstring injury," Moyes said following the 1-1 draw with the Gunners. "He felt it in the game and he played on for the last 10 or 15 minutes."

Expected lineups: Man City: Hart; Maicon, Kompany, Nastasic, Zabaleta; Garcia, Barry; Toure, Silva, Balotelli, Aguero.

Everton: Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Heitinga, Distin; Osman, Gibson; Pienaar, Naismith, Fellaini; Jelavic.

Prediction: 2-1 to City

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