Premier League champions Manchester City welcome Marco Silva’s Fulham to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Key Takeaways
- Man City narrowly came away from Bramall Lane with all three points last week in a 2-1 win
- Ten-man Fulham rescued a point away to Arsenal last time out in a 2-2 draw
- The hosts have won their last 14 consecutive meetings against the Cottagers
City have continued where they left off last term as they have won all three of their opening matches thus far, topping the table once more. As for Fulham, they have had a solid start to the campaign, winning, drawing and losing one game a piece.
Manchester City Form
The Cityzens have shown very little letup this season and are the only team in the division to boast a 100% record. That saw them pick up wins over Burnley, Newcastle United and Sheffield United. Albeit not the most difficult of starts, but you can only beat what’s in front of you.
However, it wasn’t plain sailing in South Yorkshire last weekend. An Erling Haaland penalty miss in the first half meant the two sides went in at the break goalless. The Norwegian finally put City ahead midway through the second period before Jayden Bogle thought he had rescued a point for the Blades. Nevertheless, Rodri snatched a late winner to secure a 2-1 triumph for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Fulham Form
The Cottagers got off to a decent start with a 1-0 win away to Everton on the opening day thanks to a Bobby Decordova-Reid goal in the second half. However, they suffered an emphatic 3-0 home loss to Brentford in the following match, with Tim Ream being dismissed in the second period.
A fantastic start at the Emirates Stadium last Saturday saw Fulham go one up early on after an error by Bukayo Saka. Arsenal thought they had turned the game around after going 2-1 up via goals from Saka and Eddie Nketiah. Nevertheless, Fulham demonstrated their character by drawing the scores level late on after a goal from Joao Palhinha.
Fulham also advanced into the third round of the EFL Cup after knocking out Tottenham Hotspur via a penalty shootout midweek.
Head-to-Head
It certainly hasn’t been easy for the visitors in their recent clashes with City. The champions have won their last 14 straight meetings with Fulham, last dropping points back in 2011. The Cityzens did the double over Silva’s side last term, winning both matches 2-1. Haaland and Alvarez both scored in each fixture.
Team News
Key man Kevin De Bruyne remains out for City due to a hamstring issue. He is expected to miss the next few months. John Stones won’t be able to return until after the international break due to a thigh issue, whilst Manuel Akanji is a doubt due to illness.
Recent arrival Jeremy Doku is yet to make his debut for City after only making the bench against Sheffield United. Matheus Nunes is on the verge of completing a deal away from Wolves and could feature, whilst Cole Palmer is close to joining Chelsea.
Calvin Bassey will be able to return from suspension after serving his ban midweek. He was dismissed against Arsenal for picking up two yellow cards. Willian is in doubt due to fitness issues. He may be able to feature here or after the international break. Ream will also be able to return after serving his suspension against the Gunners.
Key Players
Haaland will likely get himself on the scoresheet once more here to make it three consecutive matches where he has scored against Fulham. Rodri will remain the stalwart at the base of midfield but he has also added goals to his game of late and has proven to be a clutch player.
The visitors will be leaning on Palhinha in the middle of the park who also got on the scoresheet last week, despite heavy links with a move to Bayern Munich. Andreas Pereira has managed to get two goal contributions in three games thus far so will provide the creativity.
How to watch on TV or Online
The match between Man City and Fulham will not be available to watch on TV or online in the UK.
Final Thoughts
It was an admirable performance by the Cottagers last week against Arsenal but City should have too much for them this time around, especially with them returning to their own ground. The head-to-head record heavily favours the Cityzens as well.
Premier League
UEFA Champions League