Ake Doku and Nico Set to Make Triumphant Returns in Upcoming Everton Showdown
Ake Doku and Nico are set to make impactful comebacks in the upcoming Premier League clash between Manchester City and Everton. This match follows the international break and is anticipated to bring significant excitement.
Recent Changes in Manchester City Lineup
For the Saturday match, City has made three notable changes to their starting eleven. Nathan Ake and Nico return, while Josko Gvardiol and Oscar Bobb move to the bench. Rodri will not participate due to fitness issues.
Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki also return to the matchday squad after recovering from injuries. Cherki has been sidelined since late August, and Marmoush sustained a knee injury during international duty in September.
- CITY Starting XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias (C), Ake, O’Reilly, Nico, Reijnders, Savinho, Foden, Doku, Haaland
- EVERTON Starting XI: Pickford, O’Brien, Tarkowski (C), Keane, Mykolenko, Gana, Garner, Alcaraz, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto
City’s Tactical Formation
Gianluigi Donnarumma remains in goal, shielded by a strong back four including Dias, Ake, and O’Reilly. Nico will play as a holding midfielder alongside Tijjani Reijnders and Phil Foden in the midfield.
Leading the attack will be Erling Haaland, supported by Doku and Savinho on the flanks. This tactical setup reflects Pep Guardiola’s strategic flexibility, which may evolve throughout the game.
Erling Haaland’s Remarkable Form
Haaland has begun the 2025/26 season with exceptional performance. He has scored in each of his last ten competitive matches, including a hat-trick for Norway in the recent World Cup qualifier against Israel. This brings his overall season tally to 21 goals from just 12 games.
Having been awarded the Premier League Player of the Month for September, Haaland is aiming to extend his prolific scoring streak.
City vs. Everton: A Historical Perspective
- City is unbeaten in their last 16 Premier League meetings with Everton.
- The last league loss to the Toffees was a 0-4 defeat in January 2017.
- Everton has gone winless in their last 14 away matches against City, with only six draws and eight losses during this period.
Recent Form of Both Teams
This match is positioned as a significant challenge for both teams. Under David Moyes, Everton has not secured a Premier League away win against sides finishing in the top three the previous season.
Meanwhile, City has averaged 2.04 points per game in the Premier League this calendar year, making them the top scorers with 55 goals.
Match Day Expectations
The anticipation surrounding this matchup between Ake Doku, Nico, and Everton is substantial. With both teams looking to assert dominance in crucial points of the season, fans can expect an electrifying encounter.
