Manchester City will look to continue their winning momentum when they host Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The defending champions picked up a narrow 2:1 win over Newcastle United last time out and will look to keep up with the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool with a win this weekend.
Fulham, on the other hand, have looked pretty decent since gaining promotion to the top flight. The Cottagers have performed well but have somehow lacked the end product. But, Slavisa Jokanovic’s side are certainly capable of causing an upset, especially with the way their new signings have performed so far.
Manchester City team news
Manchester City will be without the services of Kevin de Bruyne, who is sidelined with a long-term injury. The Sky Blues suffered another injury blow when Raheem Sterling sustained a knock while on international duty with England. The former Liverpool star is, therefore, doubtful for this clash, though he will be assessed just before the game.
Claudio Bravo is the other absentee for Manchester City this week. The Chilean is suffering from an Achilles problem and his return date isn’t fixed yet.
Predicted Manchester City Lineup
Defence
Ederson Moraes will be the man between the sticks for Man City. The Brazilian international has started the season in an emphatic fashion, notably registering an assist and thus, will be full of confidence going into this game.
It’s likely that Pep Guardiola will stick to his four-man backline despite rotating the formation more than once this season. Kyle Walker will be deployed as the right-back with Benjamin Mendy playing on the opposite flank.
Mendy, in particular, has been very influential in the final third, thanks to his incredible pace and crossing accuracy. He will be keen on extending his assists’ tally this weekend.
John Stones might have to make way for Vincent Kompany in central defence and partnered by Aymeric Laporte who has arguably been the best Man City centre-back this season.
Midfield
Fernandinho will be deployed as the holding midfielder. His ability to screen the defence with his excellent defensive prowess will be crucial against a sharp Fulham midfield.
The Brazilian will partner Ilkay Gundogan and David Silva in midfield. Gundogan, in particular, has impressed in the past couple of matches and it will be interesting to see if he can get back to his own self in the coming matches.
Attack
Sergio Aguero will be tasked with the responsibility of leading the Manchester City attack. The Argentinian, however, will be hoping for a pinch of luck having attempted more shots than anyone else in the league so far. He hit the post twice against Newcastle.
The duo of Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez will start on the wider positions. Silva has been in terrific form this season and could become the main catalyst of the City attack this weekend.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
