Match preview, Manchester City vs Fulham: Prediction, Head-to-head, Probable line-ups, Key Stats
Later today, Manchester City might recover the Premier League's top spot. While Pep Guardiola's team could still finish the weekend in second place, three points in Saturday's match at the Etihad Stadium would put pressure on leaders Arsenal ahead of Sunday's massive game against Chelsea
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Pep Guardiola could test his bench todayFulham is now sixth in the Premier League table and has consistently performed above expectations this season. Last week, Everton held the Cottagers to a scoreless draw, so they will need to step up their game this week.
On the other hand, Manchester City is currently in second place in the league table and has been doing admirably this season. The host team defeated Leicester City 1-0 last week and has everything to prove in this matchup.
A masterful performance by Kevin De Bruyne was sufficient as City defeated Leicester City by a single goal. Erling Haaland's absence was unnoticed as they cruised to another victory and a second-place finish.
Since their narrow loss to Liverpool, Pep Guardiola's squad has recorded two consecutive victories and will be looking to make it three in a row.
Head-to-head, Manchester City has 37 wins against Fulham, while the Cottagers have 17, whereas 16 games have been drawn.
Key stats for the match
- In the last 14 Premier League matches against Fulham, Manchester City has won 11 and tied three.
- Fulham has defeated Manchester City in the Premier League four times, including three victories at the Etihad Stadium.
- Manchester City has won 12 consecutive matches against Fulham in all competitions.
Manchester City Team News
Guardiola has revealed that Erling Haaland, who has missed the last two games with a foot injury, is expected to return to action.
The City manager revealed that his star striker was far better but refrained from hinting that he would start, instead praising Julian Alvarez's chances.
In addition to Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips, the Spanish manager has no other injury concerns.
Ederson will return to the goalpost after missing the Champions League match. Ruben Dias will retain his starting position and be partnered by Manuel Akanji, both of whom will be desperate to keep a clean sheet.
Predicted line-up: Ederson, Foden, Haaland, Grealish, Stones, Akanji, Ake, Cancelo; De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo
Fulham Team News
Neeskens Kabano risks a lengthy absence after rupturing his Achilles tendon in training, and Bobby Decordova-Reid has been suspended for Fulham.
Harry Wilson is working to improve his fitness, and there is a remote possibility that Layvin Kurzawa will play.
Predicted lineup: Leno, James, Pereira, Willian; Mitrovic Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson, Reed, Palhinha
Fulham VS Manchester City prediction
Typically, a matchup between the champions and a newly-promoted team at the Etihad would be a foregone outcome, but Marco Silva's Fulham is formidable opponent.
However, with Erling Haaland back in the team, it is a no-brainer that the champions would take this match.
Final prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Fulham