Confirmed Man City v Everton line-ups: Cleverley starts, Barkley dropped to the bench

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Manchester City host Everton in the Premier League this afternoon.

Manchester City will be hoping to remain on top of the Premier League table by 5pm tonight as they take on Everton this afternoon.

City’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur two weeks ago mean they now sit just one point clear of Spurs at the top of the table, and with Mauricio Pochettino’s men taking on West Brom this afternoon, the battle for top spot is on.

Manager Pep Guardiola appears to have rung the changes after that defeat, with what appears to be a back three of John Stones, Gael Clichy and Nicolas Otamendi.

Ahead of them, things get a little confusing; with Fernandinho, Ilkay Gundogan, David Silva, Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Kelechi Iheanacho all starting in what looks like a 3-6-1 system.

The likes of Nolito, Vincent Kompany and star striker Sergio Aguero are only on the bench for the Blues this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Everton’s big team news is that Ross Barkley has been dropped to the bench after some underwhelming performances so far this season.

Bryan Oviedo starts at left back with Leighton Baines still out through injury, whilst Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka will start in front of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

Tom Cleverley continues in midfield despite criticism from fans after his display against Crystal Palace two weeks ago, with Gerard Deulofeu coming in for Barkley to form a dangerous attack with Yannick Bolasie and Romelu Lukaku.

Barkley is joined on the bench by the likes of Enner Valencia, Kevin Mirallas and James McCarthy, as well as backup goalkeeper Joel Robles.