We’ve got five Premier League games kicking off at 3pm this Saturday. In this article, we’re looking at Man City hosting Fulham at the Etihad.
City made light work of Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League midweek, thrashing them 0-4, while Fulham were able to take a few day’s rest following their 0-1 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Top Twitter (that’s X for the Elon fanboys out there) tipsters @FootyAccums are back again, looking to add a few bob to your PP account. Let’s get into their Man City v Fulham betting tips.
Man City v Fulham Tips
Both teams to score, yes
Manchester City to win 2-1
WHEN: Saturday 5th October
WHERE: The Etihad Stadium, Manchester
TV: Not available in the UK/Ireland
The reigning champions are aiming to keep pace with high-flying Liverpool and Arsenal at the top of the table. Currently sitting in second with 14 points from six matches, City have recorded four wins and two draws.
However, their campaign has hit a snag with a significant injury blow to their midfield. Rodri, the linchpin of City’s engine room, has suffered a serious knee injury that will rule him out for the remainder of the campaign.
His absence will be keenly felt, as the Spanish midfielder has been integral to Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup and is essentially the team’s heartbeat. City will need to adapt to fill this crucial void with no like-for-like replacement in the squad.
In Rodri’s absence, City are likely to turn to Mateo Kovačić and İlkay Gündoğan, both of whom offer different qualities but lack the all-around influence that Rodri exerts in the middle of the park.
Kovačić, a summer signing from Chelsea in 2023, is a more dynamic, attack-minded midfielder, while Gündoğan is technically gifted but lacks Rodri’s physical presence and defensive solidity. Both players will need to elevate their performances to help City navigate this challenging period.
Despite being a different type of player, Phil Foden could also be deployed in a more central midfield role. He is yet to hit top form following a delayed return after the European Championships, but his performance in City’s most recent game suggests he is approaching his best. As last season’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year, much will be expected of him in the coming weeks. With Rodri sidelined, the creative burden on Foden could increase, and he must fulfil the potential he has consistently shown.
City’s attacking prowess remains potent despite the midfield concerns. Erling Haaland has started the season in typically prolific fashion, while Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva provide ample creativity in the final third. Defensively, City have been solid.
A well-organised backline was marshalled by Rúben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Joško Gvardiol, shielded by the reliable Ederson in goal. However, the transition between defence and attack could be disrupted by Rodri’s absence, and how City manage this will be crucial in maintaining their title challenge.
Fulham, meanwhile, are enjoying a promising start to the Premier League season, occupying 6th place with 11 points from six games. Marco Silva’s side have exceeded expectations and will be quietly confident in securing European football for next season.
The Cottagers have been steadily improving, and after a relatively quiet summer transfer window in 2023, they were more active in the most recent window, bringing in players who have already made a significant impact.
One of Fulham’s standout performers this season has been Emile Smith-Rowe, a summer signing from Arsenal. The 24-year-old midfielder arrived at Craven Cottage with a burgeoning reputation after years of being touted as one of England’s brightest prospects.
Injuries and inconsistency hampered his progress at Arsenal, but his move to Fulham appears to have revitalised his career. Smith-Rowe has impressed with his composure on the ball, his ability to drive forward with pace and power, and his knack for scoring crucial goals. He has thrived in Silva’s system, and his presence in midfield has been instrumental in Fulham’s strong start to the season.
Fulham’s attack has also benefited from Smith-Rowe’s creativity, as well as the contributions of new signing Joachim Andersen and striker Raúl Jiménez, with the Danish centre-back providing high quality build-up play, while the latter has three goals to his name this season. The departure of Aleksandar Mitrović in 2023 was a blow to the club, but they have adapted effectively, with Silva continuing to improve the team.
Man City Team News
City will be without Nathan Aké, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Oscar Bobb, all of whom are sidelined with injuries. Phil Foden could retain his place in the starting line-up after an impressive performance last time out.
Expected Man City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Gündoğan, Kovačić; Bernardo, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
Fulham Team News
Fulham have a relatively clean bill of health, with forward Carlos Vinícius the only likely absentee. The Cottagers are unlikely to make any changes to their starting line-up after a strong performance last weekend.
Expected Fulham XI: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukić, Pereira; Traoré, Smith-Rowe, Iwobi; Jiménez.
Form Guide
Pep Guardiola’s men are in good form, having secured a convincing 4-0 away win against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League in their most recent match. Goals from İlkay Gündoğan, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and James McAtee sealed a comfortable victory, with Rico Lewis and Phil Foden particularly impressive.
Last weekend, City were held to a 1-1 draw away at Newcastle in the Premier League. Despite Joško Gvardiol’s opening goal, Newcastle fought back to earn a deserved point.
Before that, City beat Watford 2-1, drew 2-2 with Arsenal, and played out a goalless draw with Inter Milan.
Fulham enter this match having won two, drawn two, and lost one of their last five games in all competitions. Their most recent outing was an impressive 1-0 away win against Nottingham Forest, with striker Raúl Jiménez scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot in the second half.
That result followed a resounding 3-1 victory over Newcastle United, with Jiménez, Smith-Rowe, and Reiss Nelson all on target for Marco Silva’s side.
Before that, Fulham were eliminated from the EFL Cup by Preston North End on penalties after a 1-1 draw, a result that followed consecutive 1-1 draws with West Ham United and Ipswich Town.
Man City v Fulham betting tips
While a closely contested match is anticipated, it’s hard to envision anything other than a Manchester City victory. Excluding penalty shoot-outs, City haven’t tasted defeat at the Etihad in any competition since November 2022. Furthermore, they have an overwhelming head-to-head record against Fulham, having won an astonishing 16 consecutive matches.
Recent encounters between these two sides have been high-scoring affairs, with over 2.5 goals scored in each of their last six meetings.
Similarly, both teams have found the net in four of their last five clashes. Our prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Fulham.
- You can get daily football tips and accumulators for top European and international leagues, as well as extensive predictions and bet builder content over on the FootyAccumulators website. You can also join their football community on X/Twitter and never miss a beat.
Man City v Fulham Tips
Both teams to score, yes
Manchester City to win 2-1
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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