Prediction: Manchester City vs Fulham

Verdict: Erling Haaland over 1.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Turning their attention back to Premier League duties on Saturday afternoon, Manchester City will welcome Fulham to the Etihad.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, while Manchester City might have still not suffered a single defeat across any competition so far this season, it does feel that Pep Guardiola’s squad are seeking a recent domestic boost. Left frustrated last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at Newcastle, the former Barcelona boss has seen his superstar squad drop back-to-back points. Nevertheless, putting in a rampant Champions League performance earlier in the week as they stormed their way to a 4-0 romp away at Slovan Bratislava, the Sky Blues are looking to smash more domestic records this year. Becoming the first club in English history to claim four consecutive Premier League titles last season, City will be relishing a return to the Etihad on Saturday afternoon. It should also be highlighted, Guardiola’s men have not tasted a single Premier League defeat in the blue half of Manchester since way back in November 2022.

Team News

Undergoing knee surgery last week following an ACL tear against Arsenal on September 22nd, Manchester City expect midfield talisman Rodri to miss the remainder of the season. Likewise, dealing with a recent groin injury, Guardiola’s side are not expected to be without Kevin De Bruyne until after October’s international break.

Continuing to break a string of records and already notching 10 goals from his first six Premier League appearances, Erling Haaland will be looking to extend on his astonishing flurry here. Opening his Champions League account away at Slovan Bratislava earlier in the week, Phil Foden will be hoping to make a first top-flight start of the season.

Fulham

As for the visitors, putting in another stellar performance last weekend as they secured an eye-catching 1-0 victory away at Nottingham Forest, Fulham have continued to receive a string of plaudits so far this season. Likewise, making a real early statement on September 21st as they secured a thrilling 3-1 win against Newcastle, Marco Silva’s men have their sights firmly set on punching a top-half finish this season. Unbeaten in all of their previous five Premier League appearances on either side of September’s international break, the one-time Fulham boss could even be dreaming of the chance to mount a stunning European charge. However, pencilled in as a landslide underdog here, Fulham do hold an infamous record again the defending champions. In fact, Silva’s side have lost each of their previous 16 consecutive meetings against the Cottagers across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to a 2-2 stalemate in September 2011.

Team News

Yet to make a single appearance since opening up the new campaign and spending last season on loan at Galatasaray, Carlos Vinicius will once again miss out on Friday night. However, aside from the one-time Tottenham misfit, Fulham have reported a clean bill of health.

Converting from the spot away at Nottingham Forest last weekend and now finding the net in each of his previous three Premier League appearances, ex-Wolves striker Raul Jimenez will lead Silva’s charge in the final third. Arriving from Crystal Palace over the summer, Joachim Andersen will partner Calvin Bassey at the heart of Silva’s defence.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester City and Fulham last met back on May 11th, the Sky Blues stormed their way to a 4-0 romp at Craven Cottage.
• In fact, Man City have won each of their previous 16 consecutive meetings against the Cottagers across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to a 2-2 stalemate in September 2011.
• Fulham have failed to muster a single victory against the defending Premier League champions since April 2004.
• Erling Haaland has recorded 10 goals in just his first six Premier League appearances this season.
• Man City recorded nine goals in their two Premier League showdowns against Fulham last season.

Conclusion

While Fulham might have continued to shine under Silva this season, the Cottagers face what is a monumental challenge at the Etihad. Watching Manchester City breeze their way to a routine 4-0 romp away at Slovan Bratislava earlier in the week, the defending champions will also be excited by a sensational record against Saturday’s guests. Remarkably winning all of their previous 16 consecutive meetings, it is hard to see anything other than a home victory for Guardiola’s superstar squad.

Verdict: Erling Haaland over 1.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet