Manchester City vs Fulham: Premier League Showdown & Predictions (05/10/2024, 16:00)
While Manchester City had to fight for the top prize of the Premier League in the previous seasons, this year the team faces a race against old-time rivals for dominance. With the Etihad gradually turning into an unbeatable fortress, City will be keen to extend their unbeaten run at the home ground against Fulham. Fulham, on the other hand, has had a brilliant beginning of the season and reaches the Etihad with determination.
Manchester City’s Dominance at Home
Manchester City are at the back of an unprecedented unbeaten run at home, having never lost a game in 90 minutes for 49 competitive outings. A win over Fulham will see them capable of reaching the 50-match mark, only the fourth for an English top-flight outfit. The Etihad has become a stronghold for City, and Fulham’s previous results here do tell something about the challenge that lies ahead.
No team in the history of English football has done better than what Manchester City has against Fulham, a run of 16 successive victories.
Fulham’s Strong Start
Despite Manchester City being overwhelming favourites, Fulham have been resilient this season. Under Marco Silva’s stewardship, Fulham responded to their 0-1 opening defeat against Manchester United with five unbeaten league matches subsequently (W3, D2). Comfortably nestled in the top-six, a win here could move Fulham into the top-four–a historic achievement for the Cottagers.
Fulham’s Challenge: Fulham has struggled against City, going 18 matches without a victory in the Premier League (D3, L15). History may not be on their side, but Fulham’s fighting spirit makes them a team capable of springing surprises.
Key Players to Watch
- Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City): Gvardiol has already scored this season, including an early opener against Newcastle. The center-back has scored three of his six City goals inside the opening 35 minutes as he does pose an obvious threat from set-pieces.
- Raúl Jiménez (Fulham): Jiménez has regained his form, as he scored in three back-to-back Premier League matches, one of them being a penalty against Nottingham Forest. His precision from the penalty spot (8/8 converted) places him among the most reliable in Premier League history.
Form Guide and Recent Results
Manchester City – Recent Form: WDDWDW
The Citizens are unbeaten in 29 league matches (W23, D6), and they continued their winning ways with a 0-4 victory against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League midweek. Despite conceding in five of their last six matches, City’s offensive prowess has ensured positive results.
Fulham – Recent Form: WDDDWW
The Cottagers will enter this match with confidence following a 0-1 away victory over Nottingham Forest. They have now gone two games without defeat on the road, showing resilience and compact defense. However, their nine-game winless run against City at the Etihad highlights their struggles in Manchester.
Manchester City vs Fulham Predicted XI
Manchester City Predicted XI: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Lewis, Kovacic; Bernardo, Foden, Grealish; Haaland
Fulham Predicted XI: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Pereira; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez
Betting Odds and Predictions
For bettors looking to capitalize on this match, the odds favor Manchester City heavily, as shown on the GSB platform. Here are the key betting odds:
- Manchester City win (1.25): The home team is backed to continue their impressive run.
- Fulham win (11.00): The odds are against a famous victory, and Fulham will have to pull off an upset here.
Prediction
But despite a good start to the season from Fulham, Manchester City’s firepower and home advantage are likely to prove too much. 2-1 to City in what may prove to be a tighter game than many might anticipate.
