After seven games in the 2016-17 Premier League season, Everton finds itself at fifth place in the league. That’s not bad but, given their strength of schedule, they could have reasonably expected to be even a little bit higher. Today, they travel to face top-of-the-league Manchester City, who is coming off of it’s first loss of the year.

This is the ultimate “measuring stick” game for the Toffees. City is an unquestioned title contender. Everton are likely thought of as Europa League challengers at best. A win, or even a draw, in this match would go a long way towards proving to both the fans and players that this club is capable of bigger things.

Of course, we can’t talk about this game without mentioning John Stones. The young England centerback transferred to City from Merseyside back in August for about £47.5 and has been a starter there ever since. His matchup with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and good friend Ross Barkley will be one to watch. Can the Blues force the 22-year-old into a bone-headed penalty? It wouldn’t be the first time.

Match Details

Date and start time: Saturday, October 15 at 10 a.m. EST/7 a.m. WST/3 p.m. BST

Stadium: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England

Capacity: 54,000

Weather: 57°F/14°C, mostly cloudy, 10% chance of rain, 9 mph winds

How to Watch/Listen

TV: NBCSN - United States

not listed - United Kingdom

Radio: EvertonFC.com Match Centre, BBC Radio 5, BBC Radio Manchester

Live stream: NBC Sports Live Extra, EvertonTV, NBC Universo, Telemundo

Information from LiveSoccerTV.com

Lineups

Manchester City

Starting XI - Bravo, Otamendi, Clichy, Gundogan, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Silva, Sane, Ihenacho, Sterling

Bench - Caballero, Kompany, Zabaleta, Nolito, Kolarov, Fernando, Aguero

Everton

Starting XI - Stekelenburg, Oviedo, Jagielka (c), Williams, Coleman, Barry, Gana, Cleverley. Deulofeu, Bolasie, Lukaku

Bench - Robles, Barkley, Mirallas, McCarthy, Valencia, Funes Mori, Holgate