Manchester City's possible lineup versus Everton

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola should not shy away from making wholesale changes for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Everton at Goodison Park.

The English champions played out a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, where all 11 starters in sky blue completed the full 90 minutes.

Nathan Ake was the only absentee for that stalemate due to the thigh injury that he picked up in last weekend's win over Leeds United, and it is still unclear how long the center-back might be sidelined for.

Guardiola is not blessed with endless options for change in the rearguard, but Aymeric Laporte will almost certainly be considered for a recall, potentially over Kyle Walker.

Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Ederson are all likely to hold their spots in the backline, with Guardiola aware that the title race is far from over, but Rico Lewis is a contender to demote John Stones to the bench.

Despite his two-goal showing against Leeds, Ilkay Gundogan could also find himself among the substitutes as Rodri joins Lewis in the double pivot, and several alterations can be expected in the final third.

All of Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, and Julian Alvarez should be the first names that pop into Guardiola's mind for rotation, as the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva are kept in bubble wrap ahead of the second leg with Real Madrid. Jack Grealish and Erling Braut Haaland might not be afforded any respite, though.

Ederson; Akanji; Dias; Walker; Rodri; Mahrez; Stones; De Bruyne; Grealish; Gundogan,Haaland

Guardiola confident City can withstand fatigue with end of season in sight

MANCHESTER, England, May 12 (Reuters) - Treble-chasing Manchester City face a hectic schedule over the season's final few weeks, but manager Pep Guardiola is not concerned about his team spreading themselves too thin, saying his players understand the gravity of every game and that the rewards are great.

"It's just a question of six games for sure, maybe seven to fight for everything - come on," Guardiola said Friday on his side's full-throttle, late-season push.

City are just a point ahead of Arsenal atop the Premier League with a game in hand and will look to extend that lead when they play Everton on Sunday at Goodison Park. Arsenal also play on Sunday against visiting Brighton.

"I think definitely (Arsenal) are going to win their three (remaining) games," Guardiola said on Friday. "I would like them to drop points to be honest but I think they will get nine points."

City are coming off a tense 1-1 Champions League semi-final draw at Real Madrid on Tuesday, and host the defending champions in the second leg on Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola's team will also play in the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester United on June 3.

"We play for all competitions," the Spaniard said. "You have to switch and adapt. There are four games left in the Premier League and it's really important to be there and keep our destiny in our hands."

When asked how his players bounce back from Tuesday's physically and mentally draining draw, Guardiola said winning helps. His team have won 10 successive Premier League games.

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