Manchester City are looking for just a second win since the start of November when they host Everton in the Premier League on Boxing Day.
The citizens suffered more misery on Saturday lunchtime as they were well beaten by a determined Aston Villa sidecondemning Pep Guardiola to a ninth defeat in his last 12 games in all competitions. It is an unprecedented series of results for the best coach in the world.
Guardiola offered a grim response to questions about how Man City were planning to turn the corner after the weekend defeat, suggesting his side must simply wait for injured players to return to full fitness. The reigning champions are currently without Ruben Dias and Rodri, while Ederson and John Stones are among the doubts for the Everton clash.
Here's how Guardiola could line up his squad on Thursday.
GK: Stefan Ortega – Ederson's injury absence at the weekend saw Ortega return between the sticks. The German didn't put too much wrong in the defeat at Villa Park, even making some impressive saves to deny the hosts.
CB: Kyle Walker – The Stones' recent damage and Dia's absence for the next few weeks meaning Guardiola will have to get creative with his defense once again. He appears to favor a 3-2-4-1 formation when his side are in possession, with Walker likely to act as a defensive sweeper on Thursday.
CB: Manuel Akanji – The Swiss defender was not offered much support against Villa and looked isolated as a result. He doesn't offer the same consistency as Dias, but he still provides much-needed quality at the heart of the defence.
CB: Nathan Ake Ake returned to the bench at the weekend following a recent injury and Josko Guardiol's woeful form could see the Dutchman return to the starting line-up against Everton.
DM: Rico Lewis – The hybrid role in which Lewis operates has not always proved successful in recent weeks, but Guardiola has continued to show faith in the 20-year-old. He should operate in defensive midfield when Man City have the ball, falling to defenders when they lose it.
DM: Mateo Kovacic – No one can replace Rodri in this Man City team, but Kovacic provides the biggest defensive security in the engine. However, the Croatian's return to the starting line-up did not change his side's fortunes against Villa.
RM: Savinho – The Brazilian has dropped to the bench in the last three games, but his explosive pace and willingness to run straight at defenders could be crucial in breaking down Everton's stubborn low block.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne De Bruyne was surprisingly an unused substitute on Saturday, despite Man City desperately needing his brilliance. Guardiola cannot afford to rest the Belgian on Boxing Day as his side slip further into the abyss.
CM: Phil Foden – Foden scored his first goal Premier League goal of the season with a late consolation at Villa Park, but the division's 2023/24 player of the season remains miles from his magical best.
Champions League: Jeremy Doku – Similar to Savinho on the other wing, Doc's speed and tenacity could be key in unlocking Everton's defence. The Toffees have kept clean sheets away from Arsenal and at home to Chelsea in their last two games.
ST: Erling Haaland – The big Norwegian has scored just once in his last six games – abysmal by his lofty standards. He had just 18 touches and one shot against Villa as Man City try to feed him.