'Problems': Paul Merson predicts scoreline of Manchester City's 'difficult' clash with Fulham today
Today at 01:15 AM
Manchester City and Fulham are set to lock horns in the Premier League in a 3pm kick-off on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s Citizens currently sit second in the table, having won four and drawn two of their league games so far.
Likewise, Marco Silva’s Cottagers have enjoyed a good start to the season, sitting sixth in the table after three draws and two wins from six.
Man City have failed to win their last two league games, though they did run out 4-0 winners over Slovakian champions Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League in midweek
Meanwhile, Fulham have won their last two in the English top flight, making amends after losing an epic penalty shootout to Preston North End in the Carabao Cup.
Paul Merson has now shared his prediction for the match between Man City and Fulham at the Etihad Stadium.
Paul Merson backs Man City for routine win over Fulham
Merson, writing on Sportskeeda, praised Fulham for how they’ve started the season and for how well they have recruited this year.
He also spoke about how much Man City will miss Rodri, but still backed them to get the better of the Cottagers in a “difficult” game, predicting a 2-0 home win.
“Fulham are doing quite well and are right up there with the teams chasing a European berth this season,” wrote Merson.
“They’ve obviously recruited very well with Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson already making an impact.
“Both of them were deemed not good enough to get into the Arsenal XI, but they’re definitely making a difference at Fulham.
“We talked about the absence of Rodri and its impact on Manchester City last weekend. He’s the only player who can get into any team in the world, that explains his influence.
“This is still a difficult game for City. Fulham can cause them a few problems in transition. But I just think City have enough to get over the line.”
Man City v Fulham team news
Pep Guardiola hopes that Kevin De Bruyne will be back after the upcoming international break
The Belgium international has missed City’s last four matches with a groin injury suffered in the goalless Champions League draw with Inter Milan last month.
Rodri is out for the season after knee surgery, while Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb remain sidelined too.
As for Fulham, striker Carlos Vinicius is sidelined with a calf injury and summer signing Jorge Cuenca has an ankle issue.
City boss Pep Guardiola now hopes that Kevin De Bruyne will be back after the upcoming international break.
The Belgian midfielder has missed the last four matches with a groin injury he picked up in the goalless Champions League draw with Inter Milan last month.
Rodri, Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb remain on the sidelines.
As for Fulham, striker Carlos Vinicius is sidelined with a calf injury and summer signing Jorge Cuenca has an ankle issue.
