Early team news: Riyad Mahrez starts for Manchester City vs Everton (Premier League)

Riyad Mahrez starts for Manchester City against Everton on Sunday afternoon, as per sources in the run-up to kick-off.

Manchester City are back in action in the Premier League this weekend following their European clash against Real Madrid in midweek, although returns to domestic action do not come more challenging than a visit to Goodison Park.

Pep Guardiola and his players have the opportunity to further extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points, prior to Arsenal’s clash against Brighton. However, victory against a Sean Dyche-drilled Everton side is far from a certainty.

The trip to Merseyside comes in between two semi-final contests against Real Madrid, meaning Pep Guardiola has the challenge of fielding a strong enough eleven to dispatch of the Toffees whilst also ensuring his players have enough rest to compete on Wednesday night.

Everton is the first of three away trips in Manchester City’s four remaining top-flight matches this season, with visits to Brighton & Hove Albion as well as Brentford on the final day of the season.

Ahead of the official release of the starting line-ups this afternoon however, sources have began to report on Manchester City’s team news.

According to the information of Joe Bray on location at Goodison Park, Riyad Mahrez starts for Manchester City against Everton this weekend.

Nathan Ake remains absent as he continues to recover from a muscular problem.

Elsewhere, it has also been confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will start on the bench for Manchester City on Merseyside – presumably with Real Madrid in mind on Wednesday night.

Sean Dyche and Pep Guardiola are expected to confirm their respective starting line-ups at 13:00 BST.

Now confirmed: