Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Earlier this week, Manchester City thrashed Slovan Bratislava 4:0 away in the Champions League, but that doesn't tell the full story. Celtic had previously dismantled the Slovak side 7:1. Fulham are stronger than that Champions League participant, so let's see howManchester City handle the sixth-placed team in the Premier League.
Manchester City
Manchester City fielded almost their best lineup in Slovakia. Rodri Hernández was absent, but we've grown accustomed to that. İlkay Gündoğan seems to substitute him well, earning the title of best player of the match from WhoScored with a rating of 9.17. The German scored the opening goal, hit the woodwork, cleaned up in defence with two clearances, and delivered eight crosses. Against Fulham, he will be expected to shine again, bridging defence and attack. All of that is great, but Manchester City have conceded in three straight matches against English opponents, costing them two wins and, with those, the Premier League lead. They will be determined to reclaim it as soon as possible.
Fulham
Fulham have yet to face such a formidable opponent this season. Manchester United, neighbours to Manchester City, aren't in the same league. Manchester United defeated Fulham (1:0), but only found the winner in the last five minutes. Fulham don't always lose their composure when playing away. Apart from the game against Manchester United (-1.99), they have a positive xG differential against Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest by about 0.50 xG.
Manchester City vs Fulham Prediction
Manchester City have played five away matches and lost just once—against Manchester United—by a single goal. On five occasions at the Etihad, they have only once managed to score at least two goals more than their opponent. Two of those games ended in draws. We’re quite confident that this time, even if the visitors leave without points, it will be a narrow defeat.
