Fulham will resume their Premier League campaign when they travel the Etihad to face defending champions Manchester City on Saturday. The newly promoted outfit have looked promising so far, despite securing only one win in four matches.
The Cottagers came close to their second win in the last game but away their two-goal lead against Brighton to settle for just a draw. Manchester City, on the other hand, secured a narrow 2:1 win over Newcastle to get back to winning ways following a disappointing 2:2 draw with Wolves last month.
Fulham captain Tom Cairney didn’t take any part in the games for Scotland after suffering an ankle injury. He will be assessed ahead of the game but it is likely that he will remain sidelined this weekend. Neeskens Kebano will also be unavailable with an ankle problem.
Other absentees could include Floyd Ayite and Tim Ream. The latter is yet to feature this season.
Defence
Marcus Bettinelli will remain in goal for Fulham as head coach Slavisa Jokanovic is expected to name the same starting eleven that took to the pitch against Brighton.
The back-four could comprise of Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Denis Odoi, Alfie Mawson and Maxime Le Marchand. Mawson made his first appearance for his new club during the stalemate with Brighton a couple of weeks ago and set to keep his place.
Since moving to London earlier this summer, Le Marchand has emerged as a key component in the Fulham backline, having made the most number of tackles and interceptions this season. His presence could once again be important for the Cottagers as they look to keep out the mighty Manchester City attack this weekend.
Midfield
Jean-Michael Seri will be deployed in the midfield alongside Andre Anguissa and Kevin McDonald. Seri will operate as the number eight while the duo of McDonald and Anguissa will be tasked with the responsibility of protecting the defence.
Seri, in particular, has made a huge difference this season, making the second most number of tackles whilst making seven interceptions.
But, it has been his creativity which has served as a big plus for Fulham as the former Nice superstar has already provided more key passes than any other player from the team. Manchester City haven’t looked secure at the back and Seri has the ability to test their defence.
Attack
Aleksandar Mitrovic will lead the line for Fulham. The former Newcastle star has already notched up three goals in three matches, a tally only bettered by Sadio Mane, and he will test the City defence with his physique and aerial prowess.
Mitrovic will be partnered by the wide-duo of André Schürrle and Luciano Vietto. Schürrle has been on a roll since moving from Dortmund in the summer and all eyes will be on him as he looks to extend his scoring tally this weekend.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
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