Manchester City will be looking to maintain their 100% start to the 2023/24 Premier League season when they host Fulham on Saturday.
The Cityzens were given a scare by Sheffield United last time out despite dominating their duel at Bramall Lane. Rodri, however, once again came up with the goods late on after Jayden Bogle had cancelled out Erling Haaland's opener.
Pep Guardiola's side are on the hunt for their fourth-straight league title.
Fulham ran City close twice last season, though, and their fighting spirit was on full display last weekend as they struck late on to equalise at Arsenal despite being reduced to ten players. However, the Cottagers, who recently saw star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic jet off to Saudi Arabia, risk losing their supreme ball-winning midfielder ahead of Saturday's game.
Here's 90min's preview of Man City's upcoming clash against Fulham.
Where are Man City and Fulham playing?
- Location: Manchester, England
- Stadium: Etihad Stadium
- Date: Saturday 2 September
- Kick-off Time: 15:00 BST / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- VAR: Tony Harrington
Man City vs Fulham H2H record (Last Five Games)
- Man City: 5 wins
- Fulham: 0 wins
- Draws: 0
How to watch Man City vs Fulham on TV and live stream
Man City team news
Phil Foden was a surprise omission from the starting XI at Bramall Lane and he could return to the fold on Saturday, potentially replacing Julian Alvarez.
John Stones remains out for the hosts, while Manuel Akanji is still a doubt after missing last Sunday's win. Guardiola could select an unchanged backline with Rodri and Mateo Kovacic starting in front of the defence.
Both Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva should retain their respective places either side of Erling Haaland. Kevin De Bruyne is a long-term absentee.
Man City predicted lineup vs Fulham
Man City predicted lineup vs Fulham (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic, Foden; Bernardo, Haaland, Grealish.
Fulham team news
Calvin Bassey could return to Fulham's starting XI after he served his one-game suspension against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup. However, Silva could opt for Tim Ream alongside Issa Diop at the heart of the defence.
Joao Palhinha's future could be decided by the time this fixture rolls round and there's a good chance he signs for Bayern Munich before the summer deadline. Harrison Reed will be ready to deputise if that's the case.
Overall, Silva isn't expected to make many changes from the weekend's team that started at Arsenal.
Fulham predicted lineup vs Man City
Fulham predicted lineup vs Man City (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Reed; Wilson, Pereira, De Cordova Reid; Jimenez.
Man City vs Fulham score prediction
How can you bet against City, especially on home soil? The Cityzens haven't been beaten at the Etihad since Brentford stunned them just before the 2022 World Cup, although Fulham did run them close twice last season.
While the Cottagers are well-coached and will be entering Saturday's bout off a high after beating Spurs in the cup, it's an almighty task to go and get something from City without your two brightest lights from 2022/23. The potential absence of Palhinha is massive.
The hosts have been in imperious form to start the new campaign and another comfortable triumph is expected this weekend. Fulham simply don't have the firepower to trouble a stern back four.
Prediction: Man City 3-0 Fulham
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This article was originally published on 90min as Man City vs Fulham - Premier League: TV channel, team news, lineups & prediction.