Team News
Manchester City vrs Fulham
Premier League Match Day 14 22/23 at Etihad Stadium
Saturday 5th November 2022 KO: 15:00
Referee:
Darren England (Barnsley)
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Marco Silva admits Fulham face a daunting prospect taking on Manchester City on Saturday, but wants his players to relish the challenge.
City last tasted defeat at the Etihad Stadium in February against Tottenham, and on Fulham’s most recent visit in last season’s FA Cup fourth round they were beaten 4-1 despite taking an early lead.
However, Whites boss Silva insists they will head to the north west with nothing to lose.
And he is preparing for the hosts to be with Erling Haaland, despite the outstanding Norwegian nursing a foot problem that could keep him out.
“The challenge for us is really tough but we have to embrace it,” Silva said.
“A good example was in last season in the FA Cup where in the first half we were really good.
“If we can repeat that first-half performance I will be delighted.
In addition to injured wingers Neeskens Kebano and Manor Solomon, Fulham will also be without the suspended Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who picked up his fifth booking of the season against Everton.
Layvin Kurzawa is back in training and could return to contention.
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; James, Pereira, Willian; Mitrovic
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Pep Guardiola’s men remain second in the table, two points behind Arsenal.
But the City boss will be hoping he can call upon the services of Erling Haaland for Saturday’s clash.
The striker has missed the last two with a knock he picked up in the draw with Borussia Dortmund last week, but returned to training this week.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said an assessment will be made on the attacker’s fitness after Friday’s training session.
The City boss also revealed Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips remain absent through injury, but Manuel Akanji is back following a dead leg he suffered against Leicester City, a problem which prevented him being named in the squad for Wednesday’s win over Sevilla.
Manchester City
possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Stones, Akanji, Ake, Cancelo; De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo; Foden, Haaland, Grealish
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Source Geoff Pruce at Fulham FC/Michael Plant at Manchester World/Oliver Thomas at SportsMole