With the big freeze having badly hit the Premier League fixture list over the weekend, just two top-flight matches were possible.
While that has left the vast majority of sides frustrated as they brace themselves for a backlog of games, the door has opened in front of City.
Victory over the Toffees would take them to the top of the Premier League table and see them lead the way at Christmas for the first time in 81 years.
One man sure to play a leading role should the Blues clamber to the summit is Carlos Tevez, with the fiery Argentina striker expected to figure against Everton despite recently handing in a transfer request.
His presence is sure to draw plenty of attention, but City's recent form suggests they have become more than just a one-man team.
Roberto Mancini's men are currently unbeaten in seven Premier League games, only the fourth time they have managed such an achievement.
They have struggled somewhat in front of goal of late, though, and that will concern Mancini slightly.
City have failed to find the target in three of their last four home games, but have countered that by keeping a clean sheet in each of those fixtures.
Everton will be hoping that they can breach a watertight defence on Monday night, and history appears to be in their favour.
The Toffees have won five of their last six Premier League games against City and have emerged victorious on each of their last three visits to Eastlands.
David Moyes' men are also unbeaten in their last six away games, proving they are a tough nut to crack on the road.
They have, however, drawn their last four fixtures away from Goodison Park and have picked up only one win from their last nine top flight outings, with that run leaving them just two points above the drop zone.
Team news
Manchester City are prepared to hand Tevez a starting berth despite his future at the club continuing to hang in the balance, although it remains to be seen if he will retain the captaincy.
Tevez was rested on Thursday night when the team drew with Juventus in the Europa League after missing the West Ham victory last weekend through suspension.
Aleksandar Kolarov is also available after a ban but Nigel de Jong sits out the game under the totting up procedure.
Steven Pienaar is doubtful for Everton, meaning Moyes could be short on creativity.
The South Africa midfielder will be given a late fitness test as he continues to battle the groin injury that forced him off after 66 minutes against Wigan last time out.
Mikel Arteta serves the final game of a three-match suspension and John Heitinga (knee) is again likely to be out.
Defender Tony Hibbert is back in contention after having stitches in an ankle wound.
Possible starting XIs
Man City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, K Toure, Kolarov, Silva, Barry, Y Toure, Johnson, Tevez, Balotelli.
Everton: Howard, Neville, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Coleman, Rodwell, Fellaini, Pienaar, Osman, Saha.
(source : skysports)
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