Preview: Everton vs. Manchester City

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor | 30 January 2012

Vincent Kompany returns from suspension as Manchester City look to tighten their grip on the top spot in the Premier League with a trip to Everton tomorrow.

Just when Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini gets one player back from suspension, he has to contend with losing another member of his squad to a ban.

Skipper Vincent Kompany returns from his four-match suspension for the match at Everton tomorrow evening, but Italian striker Mario Balotelli will start the first match of his ban for the same length.

However, apart from the absence of Balotelli, Mancini has a near fully-fit squad to select from.

Hosts Everton will be without Jack Rodwell and Sylvain Distin, who have only just returned to training following injuries.

Long-term absentees Leon Osman, Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman will also miss the encounter.

Current form:

Everton: DWLLDD
Man City: WDLWWW

Everton: Howard; Hibbert, Heitinga, Duffy, Neville; Drenthe, Cahill, Fellaini, Donovan; Saha, Anichebe.

Man City: Hart; Clichy, Lescott, Kompany, Richards; Barry, Milner, Nasri; Silva, Aguero, Dzeko.

Sports Mole says: 1-2