Premier League champions Manchester City would be eager to keep close distance on the early pace-setters when they face Fulham. Pep Guardiola has Champions League fixtures on the horizon but before that, he will be looking at this game as a separate event.
Three wins and a draw is not a bad start by any stretch of imagination. However, the level set by City is immaculate, so they will be expected to beat their London opponents. A tough away trip to Liverpool is around the corner as well, so Guardiola wouldn’t want to lose any silly points before that monster battle.
Raheem Sterling is a doubt after suffering a knock which forced him out of the international games. However, the Englishman is on course to start the game this weekend. Kevin de Bruyne is a long-term absentee, along with Claudio Bravo, Danilo and Mangala. Guardiola might bring in Bernardo Silva in place of Riyad Mahrez, who is still acclimatising to new surroundings.
The Brazilian is expected to keep the goal and continue his good work with his hand and feet.
Played the second international game and is slowly recovering the full rhythm after a marathon World Cup run. A sure starter.
The Englishman has been solid and assured at the back so far. The manager would want to keep the secured pair at the back going.
Was probably bought in January to strengthen the left-sided centre-back role, with Benjamin Mendy bombing forward. That plan is in existence now.
Don’t be surprised if Mendy plays as a left-winger on Saturday, just because of the territorial dominance that City will have.
Guardiola would think about resting the Brazilian for the Champions League game. But given the fact that this is the first match after a two-week break, the manager may just start him.
With de Bruyne out and Ilkay Gundogan maybe rested ahead of the Champions League, David Silva may continue to play in that pocket role between the lines.
The versatile player can actually roam around from right-wing to right-sided midfield. He might start ahead of Mahrez.
Was out from the international games due to a knock, but is now fit enough to start this weekend. He will be fresh and raring to go.
The Brazilian should play alongside Aguero in a two-man striker system. He needs a goal or two to regain full confidence.
Read More: Who is this £420,000 Man City new signing? The next big find by Pep Guardiola?
The goal machine is at his peak at the moment and City would hope his rich vein of form continues in all competitions.
FRANCE WIN 14-0 🤯Les Bleus score 14 (FOURTEEN) times vs. Gibraltar for their biggest-ever win.…
Aston Villa are having a very fine season so far in the Premier League. The…
The Premier League run-in, the backend of the title race for Manchester City sees them…
Everton is having a bad season so far, from their poor form in the league…
Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…
In the annals of football history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as…