Manchester City are set to play their inaugural match as world champions following their triumph in the FIFA Club World Cup against Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday.
This game will be City's 18th fixture in the Premier League (PL).
Man City, with 34 points from 17 matches, sit fifth in PL and a win against Sean Dyche’s men tonight would take them above Tottenham Hotspuer who are fourth with 36 points.
The European champions have two matches left to play this year and Erling Haaland will do everything in his power to appear in those encounters as he is now the only player who can overtake Cristiano Ronaldo who became the top scorer of 2023 after netting a brace during a 5-2 win against Al-Ittihad on Tuesday.
Ronaldo has one more game to play in the current year as Al-Nassr will take on Al-Taawoun on December 30 and the Portuguese will do everything in his power to extend his goal-tally.
Top scorers for club and country in 2023:
Cristiano Ronaldo - 53 goals
Harry Kane - 52 goals
Kylian Mbappe - 52 goals
Erling Haaland - 50 goals
Man City have four players who are a doubt for the match against Everton, Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri and Jeremy Doku.
Haaland sustained a foot injury during the defeat to Aston Villa on 6 December and has been absent from the scene since then. There had been some uncertainty surrounding when the 23-year-old will return to action, and although he hasn't been explicitly ruled out of the journey to Goodison Park, the likelihood of his participation seems slim.
Similar circumstances surround Kevin De Bruyne, who suffered a hamstring injury against Burnley on the opening weekend of the season in August. The Belgian, who has missed 27 matches so far, resumed training and is on the verge of making his comeback, although it's unlikely to happen on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Rodri, considered by some as City's most crucial player, is poised to play despite revealing after the victory over Fluminense that he "almost cried" due to a late challenge, forcing him off with an ankle issue. However, he asserted being "fine" and expressed having "no issues" playing against Everton.
On the other hand, winger Jeremy Doku hasn't featured in a match since 3 December and is also in the "doubtful" category due to a muscular problem.
