On Sky
City travel to West London on the banks of the Thames hoping to continue their impressive start to the season against a Fulham side that have won one, drawn one and lost one of their three home games this season.
Tough at the Cottage
Sven talks about difficult away games: “We`ll try to win, but first of all playing away in the Premier League is always difficult,” Sven says. “It shouldn`t be because the pitch is always more or less the same but for some reason it is like that.
“Fulham have a good team, I think they have been a bit unlucky, they should have had all three points last week. I`m expecting a very difficult game on Saturday.’
ven then goes on to talk about what position he sees city: “We`ve never talked about targets, about being in the top six or the top 10,” he continues. “We just concentrate on the next game, and we`ll see where we are later in the season. I didn`t expect to be in this position at this stage, and people may put pressure on his to stay here. Yes, I was surprised at West Ham but we have played well, apart from maybe Blackburn, in every match.”
Fulham Team News:
David Healy has recovered from a calf strain in time to lead the line for Fulham, who have a number of absentees.
Lee Cook, Jimmy Bullard, Brian McBride, Philippe Christanval and Simon Elliott remain sidelined, while centre-back Ian Pearce is struggling with a calf knock.
Player to watch: Clint Dempsey
He has weighed in with a few vital goals for the cottagers.
Manchester City Team News:
No new injury worries for the blues as City’s skipper, Richard Dunne returns to the starting line up after impressive displays for his country.
Player to watch: Blumer Elano
His ability to unlock defences with that killer pass is proving a real weapon for City this season.
Match Facts & Stats
City have won one, drawn one and lost one against Fulham since their return to the Cottage. City have a fairly good record against Fulham over the years with only two defeats home and away in the premiership and City gaining four wins.
Ref Watch:
Mark Halsey – will be remembered for his extra time at Wembley, but since then I feel he may have over compensated and is generally not been a good referee for City. This will be his first game for City or Fulham this season.
Match Prediction:
Fulham 1 – 2 MCFC : I expect Fulham to score because Lawrie Sanchez’ men will always come at you, but City will have just that extra class to tell.
Next Fixtures:
Newcastle United Sat 29th Sept 12:45pm Kick Off at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sky Sports.