Manchester City face off against eighth-place **Everton**with a chance to top the division on goal difference for at least a few hours as they aim to reclaim their throne of the Premier League title in gameweek eight of the English top flight.
Last time out in domestic action the Blues earned a hard-fought victory in North West London at the Gtech Community Stadium after a superb goal from the always-prolific, Erling Haaland, in the ninth minute to give his side the lead, powering through the Brentford back line to smash past Caoimhín Kelleher as the Norwegian netted his ninth league goal of the campaign in just seven games, continuing his sensational purple patch.
It was not a mesmerising victory, but it was a resolute and strong defensive display, a very welcome sight to those of a sky blue persuasion given the woes at the back last campaign.
Away from the comfort of Manchester, they earned an invaluable three points as they attempted to gain ground on Liverpool and Arsenal above them.
Those who call the Etihad Stadium home will be hoping to continue their winning ways on Saturday as they aim to make it four wins from the last five in the Premier League as they face the Toffees on Saturday afternoon, whilst former City loanee Jack Grealish is forbidden to participate against
City handed huge fitness boost as three stars return to training.
Firstly, Frenchman Rayan Cherki has returned to the first-team squad recently following a prolonged absence due to a hamstring issue but is yet to feature.
It will certainly be a welcome return for Pep Guardiola and his side, as the dynamism and sheer creativity of the 22-year-old will no doubt prove exceptionally useful and be an added weapon to the arsenal of City, particularly against the robust defensive structure of David Moyes' Everton side.
The talented forward will be looking to continue where he left off following his excellent goal in the opening weekend that was brought to an unceremonious end following his injury a week later.
Another talent returning to the ranks for the Blues is Egyptian Omar Marmoush, subsequent to a knee injury against Burkina Faso which saw him sidelined since the September international break.
The versatile number seven will be a valuable asset in the final third due to his clear goal-scoring expertise. Haaland remains City's top goal scorer by a distance with ten goals in all competitions; the second-highest goal outlet is two own goals for Burnley defender Maxime Estève, so goals from others would certainly be helpful.
Finally, Algerian fullback Rayan Aït-Nouri also made a long-awaited return to training following the knock to his ankle he picked up at the Amex Stadium in gameweek three. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man who was signed for £31 million will be looking to make an impact in both areas of the pitch, bringing a new dimension to the attack whilst being solid at his defensive duties.
It may, however, be difficult for him to replace in-form promising youngster Nico O'Reilly after consistent flawless performances which have earned him his first ever England call-up.
These returns will be immeasurably important both this weekend and in the coming weeks, so City fans will certainly be overjoyed to see positive news on the injury front, especially given the recent injury to adored midfielder Rodri.
Blues shining on the international stage
Some of City's standout performers this campaign have continued to thrive whilst on duty for their respective countries, which can only be a good thing for Guardiola and City.
The most obvious example of this is the man-machine that is the talisman for his side, Haaland, as the Norwegian bagged a hat-trick against **Israel**in a World Cup qualifier, taking his nation one step closer to their first major tournament since 2000.
John Stones also kept two clean sheets at the heart of Thomas Tuchel's back line against Wales and Latvia whilst providing an assist in the latter fixture – stellar performances from England's number 5.
Finally, summer recruit Tijjani Reijnders found the net for the Netherlands against Malta whilst also featuring in the first half of a 4-0 victory over Finland.
Seeing players thrive with their countries' camp can only spell positivity for City and trouble for the rest of the league.
A must-win game
City simply must continue to get points on the board and make the most of the inconsistent start to the season that featured two losses against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Especially considering how imperious Mikel Arteta's Arsenal look and the recent dropped points by Arne Slot's Liverpool, City simply must build up a head of steam and stay in contention at the top of the division.
City will top the league via goal difference if they win against Everton by two or more goals; considering the start to the campaign, that is not a bad position to be in at all.
The Blues vs the Toffees
Historically, Guardiola's side have had the better of Everton.
Out of 183 contests, the Manchester side have emerged winners 77 times, whilst 46 have ended in a stalemate, and the Toffees have secured victory on 46 occasions.