Manchester City have struggled to get going this season, while we come into this game after a confidence-boosting win over Leicester. Could a shock be on the cards in consecutive weekends?
Monday night against Leicester was one of the moments you love as a football fan, a win despite being underdogs. We outclassed Leicester in most areas on the pitch and defended really well. This result will set up nicely against a stuttering City. Our opposition on Saturday find themselves in 11th place struggling to gain momentum. If we can take what we did in our last game and replicate it this game, we could earn some points.
In terms of the team, I would remain unchanged from the team that beat Leicester. That means Areola starts in goal, a back three of Andersen, Adarabioyo and Aina with Robinson and Decordova-Reid as wing-backs. A flat midfield four of Lookman, Reed, Anguissa and Loftus Cheek with Cavaleiro up top on his own. Despite slating him in the past, Cavaleiro is more suited to this game than Mitro.
I think we will draw 2-2 with Cavaleiro and Lookman goals.
HEAD TO HEAD
LEAGUE RECORD (OVERALL)
- GAMES PLAYED – 60
- FULHAM WINS – 15
- DRAWS – 15
- MAN CITY WINS – 30
- GOALS SCORED – 90
- GOALS CONCEDED – 132
LEAGUE RECORD (AWAY)
- GAMES PLAYED – 30
- FULHAM WINS – 6
- DRAWS – 6
- MAN CITY WINS – 18
- GOALS SCORED -35
- GOALS CONCEDED -74
BIGGEST WINS
- MAN CITY 5-0 FULHAM (2013/14)
- MAN CITY 5-1 FULHAM (1967/68)
- FULHAM 5-1 MAN CITY (1983/84)
- MAN CITY 4-0 FULHAM (1946/47)
- MAN CITY 4-0 FULHAM (1999/00)
- MAN CITY 4-0 FULHAM (2019/20) FA Cup
LAST 5 GAMES
- MAN CITY 4-0 FULHAM
- FULHAM 0-2 MAN CITY
- MAN CITY 2-0 FULHAM
- MAN CITY 3-0 FULHAM
- MAN CITY 5-0 FULHAM
LEAGUE FORM
- MAN CITY – DWDLW
- FULHAM – LWLLW
COLLINS JOHN’S VIEW
First of all, what a performance at the King Power Stadium! Scott Parker got his tactics absolutely spot on and we did my former team mate and dear friend Papa proud. In my last summary, I said that Bobby Reid was going to be an important player and he was outstanding. It was a great team performance but he was man of the match. We also, got joy in behind their defence and Ademola Lookman looked dangerous every team we sprung a counter attack.
The result will definitely give the team a lift and we have another tough game on Saturday away to Man City where nobody expects us to get a result. Who knows, maybe we can surprise everyone again. It’s vital we continue to keep it tight at the back for our goal difference and if we set up the same way with wingbacks, 3 in midfield and make the most of the counter attack opportunities when they come our way, we will be competitive and that’s all we can ask of the lads in every game.
PREDICTION: MAN CITY 3-1 FULHAM
LAST TIME OUT
MAN CITY 4-0 FULHAM (FA CUP – 2019/20)
The last time we played Manchester City was last season in the FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium. We lost 4-0 after conceding goals a brace from Gabriel Jesus and a goal from both Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva. My only memory of this game was an unbelievable tackle made by Terrence Kongolo on Jesus in the second half.
PLAYERS IN COMMON
Peter Beardsley, Wayne Bridge, Michael Brown, Andy Cole, Dickson Etuhu, Seko Fofana, Niclas Jensen, Rodney Marsh, Martin O’Neill, Pat Roberts, Kit Symons.
BATTLE TO WATCH
KYLE WALKER VS ADEMOLA LOOKMAN
Kyle Walker is an experienced 30-year-old right-back who has played for Man City since 2017. Throughout his career, Kyle has played 301 Premier League games as well as 50 times for England. Despite being known for his pace, at Man City Walker has emerged as a good defender and is one of the best full-backs in the league. Ademola Lookman will have a tough task at the weekend as he comes up against his fellow Englishman.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
