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.
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.”
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.
He has weighed in with a few vital goals for the cottagers.
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.
His ability to unlock defences with that killer pass is proving a real weapon for City this season.
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.
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.
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.
Newcastle United Sat 29th Sept 12:45pm Kick Off at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sky Sports.