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 without four players for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Fulham at the Etihad Stadium.
Star midfielder Rodri (ACL) is ruled out for the rest of the season, while Oscar Bobb (leg fracture), Nathan Ake (muscle) and Kevin De Bruyne (groin) are also in the treatment room, with the latter two targeting a return after the international break.
The Citizens came away from Tuesday’s 4-0 Champions League win against Slovan Bratislava unscathed and after making six change to his starting lineup, Pep Guardiola is expected to recall some of his senior starts this weekend.
Goalkeeper Ederson is in line to replace Stefan Ortega, while Ruben Dias could come in at the heart of the defence at the expense of either John Stones or Manuel Akanji. Kyle Walker, meanwhile, could also be recalled at right-back if Guardiola opts to select Rico Lewis in midfield once again.
In the absence of Rodri, Mateo Kovacic should deputise in a deep-lying midfield role, while Phil Foden – who scored his first goal of the season in midweek – will be pushing to start his first Premier League game of the campaign and is the most likely candidate to operate as a number 10.
Jeremy Doku and Savinho were both constant threats down the flanks against Slovan, but after playing the full 90 minutes, Guardiola may consider recalling Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish against Fulham.
Erling Haaland was on the scoresheet again in midweek, netting shortly before he came off on the hour mark, and the Norwegian is set to lead the line once again versus Fulham, against whom he has scored five times in just four Premier League games.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Lewis, Kovacic; Bernardo, Foden, Grealish; Haaland
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