Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, looks dejected after the Premier League match between Aston Villa and City
Manchester City were beaten 2-1 at Aston Villa
Manchester City will now be desperate for a run of victories as they find themselves with one win from 12 games.
Pep Guardiola's men looked tired, worn out and off the pace when they travelled to Villa Park in their latest defeat. They will now prepare for an Everton side who, one after another, held title challengers Arsenal and Chelsea to 0-0 draws.
At the start of this season, City looked to be in a position where they could challenge for their fifth Premier League title in a row. Now, almost half way through the season, Guardiola's team sit seventh, 12 points off leaders Liverpool. The likes of Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth sit above the title holders.
Even with this torrid run of form, there is still a nervousness towards City from supporters of other clubs. They're famously known for their ruthlessness in the second half of the season. So, although right now the fight is for a top four position, City fans will still have belief that their team could push further up.
Manchester Evening News has taken a look at City's upcoming Premier League fixtures compared to the top three.
Manchester City's next five fixtures
December 26 vs Everton (H) kick-off 12:30pm
December 29 vs Leicester (A) kick-off 2:30pm
January 4 vs West Ham (H) kick-off 3pm
January 14 vs Brentford (A) kick-off 7:30pm
January 19 vs Ipswich (A) kick-off 4:30pm
Liverpool's next fixtures
December 26 vs Leicester City (H) kick-off at 8pm.
December 29 vs West Ham (A) kick-off at 5.15pm.
January 5 vs Manchester United (H) kick-off at 4.30pm.
January 14 vs Nottingham Forest (A) kick-off at 8pm.
January 18 vs Brentford (A) kick-off at 3pm.
Chelsea's next fixtures
December 26 vs Fulham (H) kick-off at 3pm.
December 30 vs Ipswich Town (A) kick-off at 7.45pm..
January 4 vs Crystal Palace (A) kick-off at 3pm.
January 14 vs AFC Bournemouth (H) kick-off at 7.30pm.
January 20 vs Wolves (H) kick-off at 8pm.
Arsenal's next five fixtures
December 27 vs Ipswich Town (H) kick-off at 8.15pm.
January 1 vs Brentford (A) kick-off at 5.30pm.
January 4 vs Brighton (A) kick-off at 5.30pm.
January 15 vs Tottenham (H) kick-off at 8pm.
January 18 vs Aston Vila (H) kick-off at 5.30pm.