Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Manchester City could line up for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Fulham.
Manchester City are set to be blessed with a clean bill of health for Saturday lunchtime’s Premier League clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Citizens secured a dominant 5-1 home victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend and were boosted by the return of both Phil Foden and Ruben Dias to the matchday squad after they missed the previous game through illness.
Goalkeeper Ederson was fit to start after shaking off what turned out to be only a minor shoulder problem, and he is expected to keep his place between the sticks, while a back four of Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol could also remain intact, although both Dias and John Stones will be pushing for a recall in central defence.
Man City have not lost any of the last 71 games that Rodri has started, and the midfield maestro is expected to continue in front of the back four, potentially partnered by Mateo Kovacic who has started three of the Citizens’ last four league matches.
Foden, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva all started in advanced midfield positions last weekend and are all in contention to keep their places in the first XI, although Pep Guardiola will consider recalling either or both of Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish.
Julian Alvarez is another who will be pushing for a start, but he is not expected to displace the Premier League’s top scorer Erling Haaland who netted four times against Wolves and also scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture against Fulham back in September last year.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland
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