Manchester City take on Fulham later today in Premier League action. Pep Guardiola’s side will welcome the high-flying Cottagers to the Etihad in their final match before next weekend’s international break. The world champions head into the game off the back of a 4-nil win over Slovan Bratislava in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week. Marco Silva’s side will pose a tough test for Manchester City as they come into today’s match sitting 6th in the league table.
Latest Manchester City team news.
The world champions will enter today’s match with four players unavailable due to injury. Kevin De Bruyne, Nathan Ake, Rodri and Oscar Bobb are all out of today’s match.
Pep Guardiola had good news in regard to the fitness of Nathan Ake. He told the media yesterday that the Dutch international is in line to come back after the international break. Ake has been out since September with a hamstring injury.
Guardiola also said that the champions are managing Kevin De Bruyne’s return from a groin injury. The City manager told the informed the media that City are taking a cautious approach with De Bruyne’s return to the pitch. The aim is to have De Bruyne back and firing after the international break.
Predicted City starting eleven.
Ederson- City’s number-one keeper was on the bench for the midweek win over Slovan Bratislava. He should return in goal today.
Kyle Walker- I expect Walker to start. Hopefully, his performance against Newcastle is a sign of City’s captain returning to his best.
Ruben Dias- Dias should return to the starting lineup today. He has started the season well, and if he plays well, it could prove pivotal in City’s chances of picking up three points.
Manuel Akanji- It’s a toss-up between Akanji and Stones to start alongside Dias. I expect Akanji to get the nod given how strongly he’s started the new season.
Josko Gvardiol- Gvardiol has almost become an automatic selection at left-back.
Bernardo Silva- I expect Bernardo to be tasked with running City’s midfield today. He does his best work centrally and he should start in City’s engine room.
Rico Lewis- Lewis surely can’t be dropped after his stunning midweek display. The youngster is fast becoming an automatic selection for Pep Guardiola.
Phil Foden- He returned to his best against Slovan Bratislava. That form is likely to be rewarded and he could have a pivotal role to play against Marco Silva’s side.
Savinho- In my opinion the Brazilian is City’s best option on the right wing. That should see him start against Fulham.
Jack Grealish- Another player who is starting to return to his best. If Grealish plays well City generally win. I believe he will start today’s match and hopefully he can continue his strong recent form.
Erling Haaland- After being substituted after an hour against Slovan Bratislava I expect Haaland to start and be fit and ready for another big performance.
