Our live stream ahead of Saturdays Premier League match, Man City vs Fulham is now up and running, kicking off at 15.00pm BST.
You can keep an eye on the commentary as it happens below, but first, we take a preview into the fixture, lineups, predictions and much more…
Manchester City’s last Premier League outing saw them steamroll Burnley 5-0 in their best performance of the season so far. The win lifted them into the top half of the Premier League and back within 3 points of Chelsea in third.
The goals were lacking again during Tuesday night’s 0-0 Champions League draw at Porto but, given that Man City have already booked their place in the last 16, Guardiola will not be too concerned by their profligacy in Portugal.
What he will be concerned about is Man City winning only three of their last eight Premier League games, although they will be firm favourites to improve that statistic at home to Fulham this weekend.
Fulham however will be confident of getting something from the game after Mondays 2-1 win away at Leicester.
Another win on Saturday would secure back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since April 2019 and successive top-flight away wins in the same season for the first time since May 2011.
The two clubs last met in January in an FA Cup tie, which Man City won 4-0 at the Etihad.
PRESS CONFERENCES:
Pep Guardiola:
On Sergio Aguero’s fitness…
“No [he wont be involved this weekend]. He’s getting better but not fit for Fulham.
On Porto’s letter…
“No, I’m focussed on Fulham. Fulham is the important thing. We are in the last-16, that was the target. Now Fulham.
On Messi…
It’s been suggested by a Barcelona board member that he should have been sold in the summer.
“Fulham. I won’t talk about other clubs.”
On Sterling’s form…
“He doesn’t need to do anything he hasn’t done when we are at the club. His contribution at this club has been incredible. I speak to the players every day. Him and Ake, and Laporte, and De Bruyne and Torres and Gundogan (all want to play). All of them.”
On Fernandinhos contract…
“The contracts aren’t my part of the club. I’m not a manager just a trainer. How he is important for the club, his last game against Porto showed his importance. We need him a lot this season. Last season we needed him a lot in a position with injuries. We only have two in his position now, he’s coming back. The club will talk about his contract.”
On Foden landmark…
It could be his 50th PL appearance:
“We are more than delighted to have him for the academy, the message he can give. If you have the skills and especially passion. I love his passion, the only thing in his mind is to be a better player for himself, his club, his national country. He is a dream come true for managers. ”
“Normally when you become older he loses it, but the first thing he is looking for in training is the ball to play with his mates. The first achievement is 50 games, he will play much much more in the future. Hopefully, he can have the passion to improve but knowing him it will happen.”
On 700 games as a manager…
What would you say to yourself 15 years ago?
“700 games. I will do 700 more then retire. I never expected it. It’s good to have 700 games with few defeats in these games, for all the players and staff we had in Barca B, first team, Bayern and here. ”
“It’s a great number, with all the people we made incredible things together and hopefully we can do more in the future.”
Scott Parker:
On team selection…
“I pick the team that I think will have the best effect on the game and get points from the game,” Parker asserted. “We have a winning team that got a good result, so they’ve put themselves in a position to start but I have a group of players here and, with the schedule coming up, I’ll pick the best team available.”
On the captaincy…
“I haven’t really thought about the captaincy. Joachim was captain against Leicester, the other players weren’t on the pitch. He’s done a fantastic job, but my main focus is preparing a team for a very tough game.”
On dressing room atmosphere…
“Monday’s done a lot for morale,” he said. “I harp on about keeping spirits high, we haven’t won many games but when you get a positive result against a tough team it helps. That brings extra confidence and belief, it’s something to build on — not just for Saturday but the remainder of the season.”
On penalty problems…
“No doubt penalties have been an issue; if you miss penalties that cost us points, there is something there. It’s an ongoing process to work on and we hope that the hard work will pay off. It was pleasing for that one to hit the back of the net.”
On the game ahead…
“We all realise how hard it’ll be. I believe if you go there in the right frame of mind and build your moments you can get a result. I’m positive about it but it’ll be a tough ask. We don’t have any fear; it’s a game we’re looking forward to.”
FORM:
Manchester City Premier League form: WDWDLW
Manchester City form (all competitions): WDLWWD
Fulham Premier League form: DLWLLW
LINEUPS:
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Mendy; Rodri, Gundogan; Mahrez, De Bruyne, Torres; Jesus
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Areola; Cordova-Reid, Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Robinson; Loftus-Cheek, Reed, Anguissa, Lookman; Cavaleiro
THATSAGOAL TIP:
Over 4.5 Goals – 7/4 with FanTeam
Manchester City’s 5-0 win over Burnley served us a timely reminder of what Pep Guardiola’s side can do to lesser sides. Fulham may be above Burnley in the league table but no club has conceded as many as the Cottagers so far this season.
Fulham’s attacking record is nothing to boast about but Scott Parker’s side have found the back of the net in four of their last five. Everything points towards a comfortable City win with plenty of goals.
Time to take a look at our Man City vs Fulham live match stream as it happens…
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