MANCHESTER CITY – FULHAM | Saturday 4pm
Manchester City’s attack has shown that it can ‘survive’ without Haaland, and with the Norwegian slinger in the box due to minor physical problems, two victories against Leicester in the Premier League and Sevilla in the Champions League have come as well. The substitute for the former Borussia Dortmund man, Julian Alvarez, who was the absolute protagonist of the cup match against the Andalusians with a goal and two assists, did not disfigure. In the cup, however, the games were already decided. The 3-1 comeback win against the Spaniards only sealed a first place that, despite the two draws against Copenhagen and Dortmund, was never in question. In the league, however, Pep Guardiola’s side continue to chase Arsenal, who overcame Nottingham Forest 5-0 on Sunday to overtake reigning champions Citizens.
While waiting for the Gunners to slip up, Manchester City are aiming to extend their winning streak – the 0-1 win at Leicester, with De Bruyne’s decisive goal, followed on from the 3-1 win over Brighton seven days earlier – with the aim of overtaking the Londoners. And, of course, arrive at the World Cup break first in the standings. From now until next 12 November, City will always play in front of their own fans: on Saturday Fulham arrive, then there is the League Cup debut against Chelsea and finally the visit of Brentford. In short, six points within the reach of the men led by the Catalan coach, who this year are particularly ruthless with the newly promoted teams, flooded with goals at the Etihad Stadium. The feeling is that the Cottagers, unlike Bournemouth (4-0) and Nottingham Forest (6-0), will sell their skins dearly. So far the Cottagers have made a very good impression, showing that they can save themselves well in advance. They are seventh in the table and a week ago lost their third consecutive victory in the 0-0 home draw with Everton.
Mitrovic
The Prediction
Whatever Haaland’s presence or otherwise, Manchester City should not miss out on the three points. Fulham may give them a hard time, but it will not be enough to avoid defeat: the Londoners have lost all nine of their last matches against the Citizens, who have not missed a beat at home so far. It should be a lively match, with at least three goals in total.
Manchester City v Fulham matchday line-ups
- MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3): Ederson; Stones, Akanji, Aké, Cancelo; De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo Silva; Foden, Haaland, Grealish.
- FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; James, Pereira, Willian; Mitrovic.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1