#jesus b

Pep Guardiola has refused to give anything away regarding his team selection but is likely to make wholesale changes for Manchester City’s clash with Everton.

The Premier League champions fielded a much-changed side for their Carabao Cup third round tie against Preston North End in midweek, running out 3-0 winners at Deepdale.

Guardiola handed rare starts to the likes of Claudio Bravo and Joao Cancelo while Eric Garcia, Taylor Harwood Bellis and Angelino all featured.

Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden also started in midfield but the side still contained regular first-team stars Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and David Silva.

The trio are all expected to retain their places for the trip to Everton this evening, with Bernardo having struck a hat-trick last weekend against Watford.

The Portuguese star’s namesake David was instrumental in the 8-0 thrashing of the Hornets but Sterling did not feature and could potentially miss out in favour of Riyad Mahrez once more.

Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri should return to central midfield while Fernandinho will continue to deputise in defence with Aymeric Laporte and John Stones out injured.

Nicolas Otamendi and Kyle Walker will return to the back four while Oleksandr Zinchenko could be recalled, having been overlooked in favour of the returning Benjamin Mendy against Watford.

Ederson is a certain pick in goal while Sergio Aguero will replace Gabriel Jesus up front – although Guardiola may soon have a problem juggling the demands of both strikers.

Jesus has consistently played second-fiddle to the Argentine at the Etihad but has recently spoken of his frustration at a lack of game time.

When asked about Jesus in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “He’s special, I read the interview [when Jesus asked for more first team chances] and he was perfect, he has incredible respect.

“He wants to play, he’s the No.9 for Brazil. He’s maybe the only striker in the world at this level that has this mentality. If he plays one second or 90 minutes he plays his best. I understand completely.”

Manchester City predicted line-up vs Everton – Premier League

(4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Otamendi, Fernandinho, Zinchenko; Rodri, De Bruyne, D. Silva; B. Silva, Sterling, Aguero

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