After City’s stuttering start to their first Champions League campaign, Roberto Mancini will be hoping that his side can get back to winning ways with a strong performance over Fulham.
With table-toppers Manchester United facing a tough game against title rivals Chelsea, City should relish the opportunity to climb above them.
An emphatic win is on the cards againt a lowly Fulham side that has so far struggled to make their mark. Fatigue should not be an issue, with both sides playing mid-week.
Martin Jol could start feeling the pressure should Fulham fail to put in a decent performance. Can He turn things around against a devestating City side?
Vital Quotes:
Fulham quotes:
Martin Jol
Manchester City quotes:
Roberto Mancini
Fulham Team News:
Key player Bobby Zamora should return to action with Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson also in line to start.
New signing Bryan Ruiz is available again after being cup-tied in Fulham’s midweek Europa League clash.
Dickson Etuhu and Aaron Hughes look like being ruled out and will be joined by Simon Davies in the stands.
Player to watch: Bobby Zamora
The England striker can be a handful for any defender. While not being as technically gifted as some of his peers, Zamora has an eye for goal and his unorthodox playing style can cause mayhem along the backline.
Vincent Kompany will have to put his recent errors behind him and give 100% concentration if he wants to keep a clean sheet.
Manchester City Team News:
Micah Richards and Gael Clichy could be recalled after failing to start against Napoli. Kolarov who started ahead of Clichy is nursing a broken nose.
After sustaining a head injury, James Milner has been ruled out, joining defensive midfielder Nigel de Jong in the medical room.
Player to watch: Carlos Tevez
Given a brief run-out against Napoli, I feel Tevez could see a bit more of the action against Fulham. Although not on fire this season, the Argentine has a lot to prove and I expect him to prove it against Fulham.
Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko have kept City’s star striker rooted to the bench thus far, but I feel after the underwhelming performance at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, Mancini will want to shake things up a bit.
If Zamora is a handful, Tevez is two handfuls.
Match Facts & Stats
In their last five visits to Craven Cottage, Manchester City have won 3 and drawn 2.
Match Prediction:
Fulham have failed to get out of the starting blocks this season and I feel that City will put them to the sword if they arn’t at their best. Although City’s draw against Napoli could have knocked the wind out of their sales, the more likely scenario is that it has only served to galvanise them. With no disrespect to Fulham, they could be in for a hammering – I’m predicting Fulham 0-3 City. That’s being kind.
Next Fixtures:
Carling Cup – Wednesday 21st 19:45 at home to Birmingham