Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker:
Looking to take another giant step towards this season’s Premier League crown, Manchester City will make the trip to Fulham on Saturday lunchtime.
Fulham
Starting with the hosts, while Fulham might have sprung a real upset last month as they secured a deserved 2-0 victory away at West Ham, the Cottagers have continued to struggle with their constancy since returning from March’s international break. Last seen missing out on the chance to claim west London bragging rights as they had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Brentford, Marco Silva’s men have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous seven Premier League appearances. More than aware that they face another monumental challenge on Saturday lunchtime, the former Everton boss has seen his squad muster just a sole point from any of their last three showdowns at Craven Cottage. Hit with a 5-1 drumming when they travelled to the Etihad on September 2nd, Fulham are rightfully pencilled in as a landslide underdog here.
Team News
While midfielder Harrison Reed might have missed out away at Brentford last weekend after dealing with a minor knock, the 29-year-old is expected to make a return to Fulham’s squad on Saturday lunchtime. Ahead of their return to Craven Cottage, Silva’s men have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns to worry about.
Although Rodrigo Muniz might have notched just a single goal in his previous six Premier League appearances, the former Flamengo starlet will lead Fulham’s charge here. Club skipper Tom Cairney could make a first start since April 6th.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have relinquished their maiden Champions League crown last month, Pep Guardiola’s men are enjoying another domestic romp. Last seen laying down another marker as they stormed their way to a 5-1 romp at home against Wolves, the former Barcelona boss now has his sights set on securing a fourth consecutive Premier League title. Punching their spit in the final of this year’s FA Cup after landing a 1-0 win against Chelsea at Wembley on April 20th, City will know the importance of overcoming another hurdle on Saturday lunchtime. Not suffering a single domestic defeat across any competition since the start of December, Guardiola’s men will be excited by a rampant record against Fulham. Including that 5-1 victory at the Etihad on September 2nd, the Sky Blues have won all of their previous 15 straight showdowns against the Cottagers a run that stems all the way back to September 2011.
Team News
Making a speedy recovery following a should injury against Nottingham Forest on April 28th, Brazilian shot-stopper Ederson will once again start between the sticks on Saturday lunchtime. Despite not making a single Premier League start over the past month, former Benfica ace Ruben Dias will be hoping to make a return to Guardiola’s starting XI this weekend.
Bagging four goals against Wolves last week and notching 25 Premier League strikes this season, attacking talisman Erling Haaland will spearhead City’s charge here. Likewise, notching three goals in his last six outings across all competitions, Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol will keep his spot at left-back.
Key Factors to Consider
