After a disappointing draw away at Newcastle last weekend, Man City will look to get back to winning ways when they face Fulham at the Etihad.
Man City struggled in attack last weekend. They could not create enough to put the game to bed before giving away a penalty, and the Citizens had to settle for the draw.
The Whites had to dig in at the weekend against Nottingham Forest with a Raul Jimenez penalty enough to seal the three points.
Fulham has the joint second-best defensive record in the league, having conceded only five goals this season. This defensive improvement has given Fulham their best start to a Premier League season in 20 years, with only one loss on the opening day.
City are the favourites for this game by a landslide, and with Fulham’s last win at the Etihad coming in 2009, an upset seems unlikely.
If Fulham are to succeed, they will need to take advantage of the midfield. With no natural replacement for Rodri, City are much weaker, leaving gaps for the Cottagers to exploit.
Team news:
The champions will be without star man Rodri for the remainder of the season after he tore his ACL against Arsenal. Oscar Bobb also has a long-term injury with a broken leg and will be out until the beginning of 2025.
City will be without Kevin De Bruyne, who is out with some slight groin trouble. Nathan Ake has a hamstring injury and will be out until after the international break.
The Whites have been very lucky with injuries this season, with only Carlos Vinicius missing the season's opening games due to injury.
New signing Jorge Cuenca joined him on the treatment table last weekend with an ankle injury that will keep him out until November.
Predicted Lineups:
Man City: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Gundogan, Kovacic; Grealish, Foden, Savinho; Haaland
Fulham: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Pereira; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez
Key Players
Man City- Phil Foden
Without De Bruyne's creativity, Foden will have to step up to break down a solid defence. Fulham are likely to sit back and let Man City have the ball, giving Foden the opportunity to show everyone just how good he is.
Despite not starting the season well, Foden won Player of the Season last year, and it’s only a matter of time before he shows his class.
Foden impressed in the Champions League in midweek, picking up a goal and an assist in the number ten role, which should be enough to kick-start his season.
Fulham- Adama Traore
The winger has been known for his lack of quality on the ball over the years, but he has been excellent this season.
Traore has one goal and two assists so far this season. He has been a constant threat in every game he has played, and his pace and strength make him unstoppable at times.
The Spaniard will be crucial for Fulham against City. His pace will be needed on the counter-attack, and quick transitions will be the best way for the away side to get anything out of the game.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game will be played at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
What time is kick-off?
The game will kick off at 3 pm UK time.
How can I watch?
Due to the 3 pm blackout, the game will not be broadcast in the UK. However, highlights will be available on the Sky Sports YouTube channel and Match of the Day.
