Man City will take on Fulham on Saturday, 5 October with the hosts looking to bounce back after two back-to-back league draws.
The Blues have been rocked somewhat by the injury to Rodri but this is a game they will be feeling confident about even without their Spanish midfield general.
Fulham come into the match in high spirits after back-to-back Premier League wins but how they fare at the home of the champions remains to be seen.
How the bookies view it: The hosts are massive favourites
You'd have to go back several years for the last time that Man City weren't favourites for a football played at the Etihad Stadium and that run isn't going to end this weekend. Betfred have priced a Man City win at 2/9 while a win for Fulham has been priced at 10/1. The draw, which would be a great result for the visitors, has been priced at 5/1.
Recent head-to-head: Man City dominance
For Fulham to retain any level of confidence coming into this match then their players, staff and fans should avoid looking at their recent record against Man City. The Citizens have won their last 16 matches against the Cottagers and are unbeaten in their last 22.
The last time Fulham defeated Man City was all the way back in 2009 when Man City had yet to win their first Premier League title.
Players to watch: Foden back into the fray?
One of the most peculiar aspects of Man City's early start to the season has been the absence of Phil Foden from the starting lineups. The 24-year-old is yet to start a league match for the Blues this season despite being one of their best players in 2023/24, scoring 26 goals and providing 12 assists.
Foden did start City's Champions League match in Bratislava on Wednesday night and he was in good form, scoring one of City's four goals and setting up another. His performance should have been enough for Pep Guardiola to put him in from the start this weekend and if he does, then the Englishman will be keen to show he is still a man that can be relied upon.
Fulham's best hope on Saturday is to fight fire with fire. Their best players are in attacking positions so it makes little sense for them to play a defensive game. Emile Smith Rowe has settled in well at the club while Raul Jimenez is back among the goals – he has scored four times already this season.
Predicted line-ups
Man City are suffering with injuries to two of their most important players with Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne both unavailable. Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb are also out injured. Fulham's only injury concern is third-choice striker, Carlos Vinicius.
Man City: Ederson – Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol – Lewis, Kovacic – Bernardo, Foden, Grealish – Haaland
Fulham: Leno – Tete, Bassey, Andersen, Robinson – Lukic, Pereira – Traore, Smith-Rowe, Iwobi – Jimenez.
Anything else catch the eye?
Man City have scored at least two goals in every league match they've played at the Etihad Stadium this season and have also managed that feat in every home match against Fulham since 2011. Man City to go one better and score over 2.5 goals on Saturday has been priced at 10/11 by Betfred.
This English Premier League match between Man City and Fulham will be played on Oct 5, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Man City vs Fulham prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
