Man City vs Everton LIVE early team news and build-up to Premier League clash

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Manchester City's Premier League game with Everton.

The Blues return to action following the international break with David Moyes' side the opposition.

City will be hoping to maintain their momentum, having gone seven games unbeaten in all competitions prior to the October pause.

The Blues have moved up to fifth spot in the table and within striking distance of leaders Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola remains without Abdukodir Khusanov through injury while Rodri is also sidelined. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri have returned to training although it remains to be seen if they will be fit enough to feature.

Kick off at the Etihad is 3pm and we will have all the build-up, action, reaction and analysis right here so stay with us.

Rodri said two weeks ago he would be fit to face Everton but he hasn’t returned to full training yet and Guardiola couldn’t say when he would be back yesterday.

It’s a blow for the Spaniard but this season could be like that for him. Nico Gonzalez has done a solid job replacing him this season but Mateo Kovacic played for Croatia in midweek and might well be pushing for a first City appearance of the season.

Pep Guardiola has challenged John Stones to prove his fitness to earn a new contract at Manchester City, with the centre-back now in his final year at the Etihad.

Stones has been blighted by injuries in the past couple of seasons and recently said he had considered retiring last term as the frustration of his battle to get fit took its toll.

But his patience has been rewarded this season, and the 31-year-old has been in fine form for club and country. He played all but 10 minutes of England's October double header against Wales and Latvia and has