The game between Chelsea and Manchester United was postponed because of heavy snows in parts of the UK, as was Arsenal’s clash against Stoke City.
But Blackburn Rovers in the North West were able to stage their game against West Ham, and in nearby Manchester the signs are currently positive that City's clash with Everton will survive the freeze. If it does, and City go on to win it, they will have grasped a rare opportunity to go top of the table at Chjristmas. And that would serve to justify the club’s status as serious contenders to win the Premier League this term.
Yet at the same time, the wheels of the well-oiled machine that is City could be about to come off, following skipper Carlos Tevez's recent written transfer request. He has clearly expressed his desire to leave, which could potentially destabilise the club just as they reach the summit.
Tevez has cited an irreparable breakdown in his relationship with certain executives at the club, an admission which, combined with well-publicised homesickness, suggests his days at Eastlands are numbered.
On the other hand, the Argentine forward’s transfer request was denied, he has trained as normal and manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed that he intends to play the marksman against the Toffees.
But playing after being denied a transfer request could prove difficult for the player, whose attitude and body language will no doubt be the subject of close scrutiny. It will be interesting to see how Tevez handles the pressure, though he has pledged to remain professional and fully committed to his team.
Toffees Require Resurrection
Everton need to resurrect a season that is slowly slipping away and in danger of becoming one the fans would would prefer to forget.
Having accumulated a meagre 18 points from 17 games to date, they sit in 15th spot in the table. But the competitive nature of the Premier League means that their position could quickly change, as eighth-placed Newcastle United are only four points ahead. On the converse, relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic are only two points behind.
The Toffees also have a problem up front, as their strikers have been misfiring for some time now. Louis Saha’s goal drought continues, while Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford have been unable to compensate, and manager David Moyes has maintained that he intends to address the issue in the upcoming transfer window.
But before that, his side will have to get the right result if they are to push forward in a positive direction after going seven games without a victory.
And in these seven, the Merseyside club have kept only one clean sheet while conceding 12 goals, which is far too many for a team looking to finish much higher up the table than their current position.
TEAM NEWS
Manchester City
Roberto Mancini has already revealed that he intends to give striker Carlos Tevez a start against Everton, despite the player wanting out of the club.
James Milner would likely be expected to man the midfield in the absence of Nigel de Jong, who is serving a suspension. Emmanuel Adebayor (calf) is still a doubt for this game.
Possible starting XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Toure, Lescott, Kolarov; Barry, Kompany; Silva, Milner, Yaya Toure; Tevez.
Everton
Steven Pienaar (ankle) and John Heitinga (knee) are both doubts for this encounter. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov could be deployed on the flank if the South African does not recover in time for the trip to Eastlands.
Tony Hibbert returns to contention, but James Vaughan (ankle) is unlikely to be available. Mikel Arteta is suspended so will definitely miss out.
Possible starting XI: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Coleman, Fellaini, Rodwell, Bilyaletdinov; Cahill; Saha.
Prediction
City are flying high at the moment, and should be able to take three points off their off-colour opponents.
Man City 2-0 Everton 
