The two sides last met nearly five months ago when City comfortably beat Fulham 4-0 at Craven Cottage. After back-to-back Premier League draws, including a 1-1 tie with Newcastle United last weekend, City bounced back midweek with a commanding 4-0 win against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.
City dominated that match with 28 shots, 73% possession, and even hit the woodwork three times in the first half. Goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and a first senior goal from James McAtee secured their first three points in the expanded Champions League format.
Pep Guardiola was pleased with the team's steady improvement and glad that the squad came through the game injury-free, with several players getting important minutes.
City’s final Premier League game before the international break is against Fulham, and with Liverpool potentially extending their lead in the early match, Guardiola's side will be determined to get a result. History is on their side, having won their last 16 games against Fulham, the longest winning streak between two teams in English football league history. A draw or win would also extend City’s unbeaten home record to 50 matches.
Fulham, however, have made their best start to a Premier League season since 2003, with 11 points from their first six games. After losing to Manchester United on opening day, they’ve gone five games unbeaten, including wins over Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
Raul Jimenez scored his 50th Premier League goal in their 1-0 win against Forest last weekend, though he sparked controversy by taking a penalty that should’ve gone to teammate Andreas Pereira. Head coach Marco Silva addressed the situation, confirming Jimenez has apologized, and the team is ready for the tough challenge of facing City.
Despite the daunting task, Fulham has managed to win at the Etihad before, with their most recent victory being a 3-1 triumph back in April 2009 under Roy Hodgson.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Man City will be without Rodri for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury, while Oscar Bobb (leg fracture), Nathan Ake (muscle), and Kevin De Bruyne (groin) are also sidelined. Ake and De Bruyne are aiming to return after the international break.After rotating his squad midweek, Pep Guardiola is expected to bring back some key players, including goalkeeper Ederson and center-back Ruben Dias. Kyle Walker may also return to right-back if Rico Lewis is once again pushed into midfield.
In midfield, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, and Jack Grealish will be pushing for starts, while Erling Haaland—who has scored five times in four league games against Fulham, has been cleared to play and is set to lead the attack.
For Fulham, their only injury concerns are striker Carlos Vinicius, dealing with a minor calf issue, and defender Jorge Cuenca, who remains out with an ankle injury.
Head coach Marco Silva is unlikely to make many changes to his lineup. The back four of Kenny Tete, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, and Antonee Robinson is expected to remain in place, with Bernd Leno in goal. In midfield, Sander Berge and Harrison Reed will be pushing for a recall, while Adama Traore looks set to start on the right flank, keeping Reiss Nelson on the bench for now.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Lewis, Kovacic; Bernardo, Foden, Grealish; Haaland
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Pereira; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester City 3-2 Fulham
Fulham have had a strong start to the season, and Manchester City shouldn't take them lightly.
City have conceded in their last five league games, so Fulham could certainly find a way through their defense. However, we're still backing Guardiola's side to outscore Fulham and continue their winning streak against Marco Silva's team.
