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Manchester City vs Fulham FC
First up in the Champions League on Wednesday night, we saw Manchester City clinch top spot in Group G with a win over Sevilla. Due to the World Cup in Qatar, which starts in a fortnight, the schedule is so tight that the Skyblues already have to play their next competitive match in the Premier League on Saturday. Fulham FC await at home at the Etihad. Coach Pep Guardiola’s team cannot afford to take a breather in this game either, as Man City are still two points behind league leaders Arsenal. In order to stay on the Gunners’ heels, Manchester will be looking for a third win in a row.
However, this task will not be that easy as the Cottagers are in a stable shape at the moment. Fulham are actually in 7th place and have been unbeaten for four games and that despite the fact that the Londoners were only promoted in the summer. A point at the reigning champions would be a huge success for coach Marco Silva’s team and would confirm their strong form. Find out if the Cottagers will score at the Etihad in our Man City – Fulham betting tips
Man City – Fulham Info:
– Date & Time: 05.11.2022, 16:00 hrs.
– Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
– Competition: Premier League, Matchday 15
– TV coverage: Sky Sport
Man City Form & Balance Check
With a place in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday, Manchester City took another step forward in their bid to compete for every trophy possible this season. But the Skyblues are not only at the top of the league, but also in the Premier League. In everyday business, Pep Guardiola’s team redeemed itself after the 1-0 defeat at Liverpool FC. Manchester won 3-1 over Southampton and more recently 1-0 at Leicester. The defeat at the Reds is the only one so far for the Citizens. Now Man City have to make up two points to be level on points with league leaders Arsenal. The better goal difference is on the side of the Skyblues.
Double burden factor
With 37 goals in twelve games, Skyblues fans can rely on an average of 3.1 goals per game from their team. It was therefore a great surprise to see Man City lose goalless at Liverpool and only score one at Leicester, who have the second worst defence in the Premier League with 25 goals conceded. Looking ahead to the Champions League, it is noticeable that Guardiola’s team also failed to score against Dortmund and Copenhagen. It is quite possible that even the double burden factor does not stop Man City.
Despite this factor, the quality is so enormous in the reigning champions’ squad that Manchester at least do not lose and win match after match in the league. When the whistle blows against Fulham, City have not even had 72 hours of recovery time. Because of this, it comes as no surprise that results like 1-0 or 0-0 occur.
Manchester City facts & analysis
– Man City are 2nd in the table with 29 points.
– Most recently, the Citizens won two games in a row.
– The Skyblues only lost the clash with Liverpool.
Fulham Form & Balance Check
Despite their recent 0-0 draw with Everton FC, Fulham FC are having a cracking season. After thirteen games, the Cottagers have already collected more points than West Ham, Brighton or Liverpool, for example. Based on this record, coach Marco Silva’s team had expected more than a goalless draw against the Toffees, as Fulham had previously won 3-0 over Aston Villa and 3-2 at Leeds United. The Londoners also scored at Bournemouth before the two trebles. Eight points out of a possible twelve from the last four games is an excellent record for a promoted team.
Goalless for the first time in weeks
The 0-0 draw at Everton does not fit in with the Cottagers’ season so far. Fulham may be promoted but they never hide. Previously, coach Silva’s team only went scoreless in a 0-0 draw against Wolverhampton on Matchday 2. In addition, Fulham scored against all the top teams. They even scored twice against Liverpool. The truth is, however, that the defensive performance often prevented more positive results. The current goal difference is 22:22. Only in the defeats against Newcastle and West Ham did the Cottagers lose by more than a goal difference.
Fulham facts & analysis
– Fulham are in 7th place in the table with 19 points.
– The Cottagers are unbeaten in four games.
– Most recently, the promoted side played out a 0-0 draw with Everton.
Predicted line-up – last update on 3 November 2022
It is expected that Erling Haaland will make his comeback on Saturday after overcoming a foot injury. Pep Guardiola waived the Norwegian against Sevilla on Wednesday, saying: “He’s feeling better every day, but we don’t want to take any risks.” Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips are yet to make a return. Systematically, the Spaniard will send his team out on the field in a 4-3-3 system.
Fulham FC operate in a 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Silva, with striker Mitrovic the target man. The Serbian has done justice to this role and shot the Cottagers from the Championship back into the Premier League with over 40 goals in the season. The 28-year-old has also scored nine times this season. Looking at the personnel, right-back Reid is suspended. He will be replaced by Tete. In addition, left-winger Solomon is out injured.
Man City – Fulham direct comparison & stats
With 29 wins in 49 duels, the direct comparison clearly goes to Man City. Fulham have only beaten the Skyblues nine times. In addition, Manchester won twelve games in a row against the Cottagers.
– Man City have won 8 home games in a row against Fulham.
– Fulham have not won at the Etihad since 2009.
– City have won 7 of their last 8 home games against Fulham.
