Tevez captains City against Everton

Carlos Tevez committed himself to Manchester City and was handed the captain’s armband by manager Roberto Mancini for tonight’s encounter with Everton at Eastlands.

Carlos Tevez committed himself to Manchester City this evening and has been handed the captain’s armband by manager Roberto Mancini for tonight’s encounter with Everton at Eastlands.

The Argentinian returns from suspension to a team which includes Mario Balotelli and James Milner and is looking to secure top spot on Christmas Day for the first time since 1929.

Not that Everton were without hope, having won on their last three visits to the stadium, although the inclusion of contract rebel Victor Anichebe for only his second start of the season is a surprise.

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Toure, Kompany, Kolarov, Milner, Toure Yaya, Barry, Silva, Tevez, Balotelli.

Subs: Given, Richards, Wright-Phillips, Adam Johnson, Boateng, Vieira, Jo.

Everton: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Rodwell, Fellaini, Osman, Cahill, Anichebe.

Subs: Mucha, Hibbert, Bilyaletdinov, Saha, Beckford, Gueye, Yakubu.

Referee: Peter Walton.