-form Jack Grealish is unavailable for Everton vs Man City this weekend, as loan players are banned from facing their parent clubs under FA rules. Advantage City?

In-form Jack Grealish is unavailable for Everton vs Man City this weekend, as loan players are banned from facing their parent clubs under FA rules. ❌ Advantage City? 😅

Manchester City may have received a surprising boost ahead of their weekend clash against Everton, as in-form winger Jack Grealish will be unavailable for selection due to FA loan regulations. The rule, which prohibits players on loan from competing against their parent clubs, means Grealish will have to sit out what could have been one of his most anticipated fixtures of the season.

The 30-year-old England international, who joined Everton on loan during the summer transfer window, has been enjoying a spectacular run of form since moving to Merseyside. His creativity, energy, and experience have made him one of the Toffees’ standout performers, helping Sean Dyche’s side climb steadily up the Premier League table. Grealish has been instrumental in orchestrating attacks from the left wing, providing assists and even chipping in with crucial goals — but now, his absence could leave a big hole in Everton’s plans.

For Manchester City, however, the timing couldn’t be better. Pep Guardiola’s side are chasing another league title and are well aware that Grealish’s influence at Everton could have posed a real threat. His recent performances against top-six sides have shown how much his confidence has returned after a challenging spell at the Etihad. Facing his parent club might have been an emotional occasion, but FA rules make such matchups impossible — a regulation designed to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain competitive integrity.

Everton fans have expressed disappointment at the decision, though they understand the rule’s logic. Many had hoped to see Grealish in action against his former teammates, especially given how his game has evolved under Dyche’s management. The Toffees have relied heavily on his ball retention, dribbling, and set-piece quality — attributes that have turned him into one of their most valuable players this season.

Without him, Dyche may have to rethink his strategy for the weekend. Everton will likely turn to Dwight McNeil or Arnaut Danjuma to fill the void on the flank, though neither can replicate Grealish’s ability to control the tempo or create chances in tight spaces. The manager has already admitted that losing a player of his calibre for such a crucial fixture is a major setback, but he insists the team must “adapt and compete with courage.”

On the other hand, City will be well aware of the psychological advantage this absence brings. Guardiola’s men have faced tough away trips to Goodison Park in recent years, often finding it difficult to break down Everton’s defensive shape. Without Grealish’s counterattacking threat, City may find more space to dominate possession and control the flow of the game.

Interestingly, this situation highlights the strange dynamics of loan deals between top clubs and mid-table teams. While Everton benefit from Grealish’s quality throughout the season, the FA rule ensures that players cannot directly influence games involving their original employers — a safeguard against potential manipulation or conflict of loyalty. Still, it often leads to frustrating situations like this, where fans miss out on seeing a top talent perform in a marquee fixture.

For Grealish himself, the weekend will be bittersweet. Sources close to the player say he was eager to test himself against City — not out of revenge, but as a measure of how much he’s improved since leaving. His focus, however, remains fully on helping Everton achieve their season objectives once he returns to action in the following matchweek.

As for City, this development fits perfectly into their pursuit of consistency. The reigning champions have shown flashes of vulnerability this season, but Guardiola will be keen to capitalize on any small advantage — and Grealish’s ineligibility might just be one of them. Every point counts in what promises to be another fiercely contested title race.

In the end, while Everton lose one of their biggest attacking threats, Manchester City gain a subtle but significant edge. It’s another reminder that in the Premier League, even off-field regulations can shape the balance of power. Fans may call it “Advantage City” with a smile — but for Everton, it’s a harsh reality that could influence the outcome of the weekend’s showdown.