Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2024/25 English Premier League
Matchday 7
Manchester City v Fulham
Etihad Stadium
Manchester, England
Saturday, 5 October 2024
Kick-off is at 14h00
Manchester City will be looking to maintain their impressive record against Fulham when they meet at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, October 5.
The Citizens have only ever lost to the Cottagers on four occasions in the Premier League era and are unbeaten in their last 18 encounters dating back to 25 October 2009.
Pep Guardiola's side have done the league double over the West Londoners in each of the last four seasons and are chasing a 14th win in a row.
However, City were knocked off top spot by Liverpool after dropping points for the second game in succession with the 1-1 draw at Newcastle on September 28.
The defending champions trail the Reds by one point in second place, having allowed Arsenal (3rd) to go level with them on 14 points.
Fulham have built up some momentum after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on the opening weekend, winning three of their next five matches.
A 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on September 28 lifted Marco Silva's side up to sixth position, two points outside the top four and a further one adrift of City.
Image copyright: Getty Images
In team news, Rodri has been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury and he joins Oscar Bobb, Nathan Ake (thigh) and Kevin De Bruyne (groin) on the sidelines for the hosts. Silva has an almost fully-fit squad at his disposal, with Carlos Vinicius (calf) the only doubt for the trip to Manchester.
John Stones is confident that there is more than enough quality in Guardiola's squad to fill the sizeable void left by Rodri's injury, including him if called upon to step up into midfield.
"[Rodri's injury] was difficult news for us all to take. I spoke to Rodri yesterday and he's doing well, recovering," Stones said.
"It's sad for the standard he has set over the last season has been incredible. We know what a key player he is for us, but we want him to be back quickly.
"We know it will be a long time, but we have a lot of quality players capable of filling in in that position."
Raul Jimenez caused some controversy when he took the penalty against the Tricky Trees to register his 50th goal in the Premier League, with Silva confirming afterwards that Andreas Pereira was meant to take the spot-kick.
"He [Pereira] wanted to take it, we all want to score but I was confident that I would score. We solved it," Jimenez said regarding the incident.
"I am confident every time I'm on the penalty spot. If I score, everyone will be happy."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Man City wins - 5
Fulham wins - 0
Draws - 0
Premier League Matchday 7 fixtures:
Saturday, October 5
11h30: Crystal Palace v Liverpool
14h00: Arsenal v Southampton
14h00: Brentford v Wolverhampton Wanderers
14h00: Leicester City v Bournemouth
14h00: Manchester City v Fulham
14h00: West Ham United v Ipswich Town
16h30: Everton v Newcastle United
Sunday, October 6
13h00: Aston Villa v Manchester United
13h00: Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
15h30: Brighton & Hove Albion v Tottenham Hotspur
Bet on the English Premier League with Betway
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer leagues such as the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A, the Spanish La Liga and many more.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Download the Betway App.