In their previous outing, the Citizens secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Sheffield United away from home, while Fulham impressively earned a point in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in their most recent top-flight encounter. Observing Manchester City's dominant performance against Sheffield United, where they boasted an 80% possession rate and made 30 attempts on goal, one might assume the reigning champions would have comfortably won at Bramall Lane.
Although they did secure maximum points, it was not without a struggle. Erling Haaland, who missed a first-half penalty, opened the scoring in the second half, only for Jayden Bogle to equalize in the 85th minute. However, Champions League hero Rodri came to the rescue three minutes later with a thunderous match-winning goal into the top corner, saving City's day.
Manager Pep Guardiola, currently recovering from back surgery in Barcelona, watched the game from a distance. Assistant coach Juanma Lillo assured everyone that the Catalan boss was "totally present" for his 200th Premier League victory, a milestone achieved in just 269 games, breaking an all-time English top-flight record.
As it stands, Manchester City leads the Premier League with a perfect record after three games this season. They are confident in extending their winning streak on Saturday, especially given their impressive home form. The Citizens have now won 17 consecutive matches at the Etihad Stadium in all competitions, setting a new club record. During this period, they have scored an impressive 55 goals while conceding only seven.
Moreover, Manchester City has won their last 14 encounters with Fulham in all competitions, with only the Citizens themselves having a longer winning streak against an opponent in English football history (15 wins against Watford). After a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Brentford, Fulham responded well by securing positive results against North London teams Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. They drew with Arsenal in the Premier League and beat Tottenham in the EFL Cup. In their recent league clash at the Emirates Stadium, Fulham trailed 2-1 with 10 men until Joao Palhinha equalized with an 87th-minute goal.
Manager Marco Silva served a one-game touchline ban during Fulham's EFL Cup second-round match against Tottenham Hotspur, which they won 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage. Their reward is a third-round home fixture against Norwich City.
Fulham aims to enter the international break on a positive note but faces a daunting task as they have lost their last nine visits to the Etihad Stadium. Their last victory on the blue side of Manchester was a 3-1 win in April 2009 under former boss Roy Hodgson.
In their encounters with Manchester City last season, Fulham put up a strong fight in both home and away fixtures but ended up on the losing side with 2-1 scorelines. Erling Haaland's dramatic 95th-minute penalty prevented Silva's men from securing a point in their last visit to the Etihad nine months ago.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Manchester City will have to do without Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones as they continue their recovery from respective hamstring and muscle injuries. However, Manuel Akanji should be back in contention after missing the win against Sheffield United due to illness.There's potential for new signing Jeremy Doku to make his debut for the Citizens on Saturday. This could mean a change in the lineup, possibly with one of Bernardo Silva or Jack Grealish making way. Additionally, there's a chance that Matheus Nunes might make his debut if his transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers is finalized in time. On another note, Cole Palmer is nearing a permanent move to Chelsea.
Erling Haaland, the PFA Player of the Year who netted goals against Fulham last season, is expected to lead the attack once again. Phil Foden may also be pushing for a start after his standout performance in City's previous home match against Newcastle.
Turning to Fulham, head coach Silva is back from a touchline suspension, and defender Calvin Bassey is available for selection following a one-match ban. Tim Ream, who missed the match against Arsenal due to suspension, returned to action against Spurs and could potentially partner with Bassey in central defense on Saturday, possibly resulting in Issa Diop stepping aside.
Willian, who missed the last two games due to a knock, may be in contention to make his return against Man City. However, Harry Wilson and Bobby De Cordova-Reid are expected to be reintroduced on the flanks.
Silva is likely to revert to a lineup similar to the one that drew with Arsenal, making around six changes from the midweek match. Bernd Leno, Sasa Lukic, Raul Jimenez, and Andreas Pereira, who scored at the Etihad last season, are among those hoping to return to the starting eleven.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Foden, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Ream, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Wilson, Pereira, De Cordova-Reid; Jimenez
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester City 3-0 Fulham
Manchester City hasn't won their first four Premier League games since the 2016-17 season, but we think they will win on Saturday against Fulham. They have a good history of beating Fulham.
Fulham will try to make it difficult for Manchester City, just like Sheffield United did last week. They will try to attack quickly when they get the chance. But we believe that Manchester City has enough skill and talent to score against Fulham and make it 18 wins in a row at their home stadium, the Etihad.
