Manchester City vs. Fulham – Match Preview 19/1/2013

Manchester City vs. Fulham – Match Preview

Manchester City vs. Fulham – Match Preview

Venue and Timings

The match will kick-off at the Etihad Stadium on 19^th January 2013 at 1500 GMT (2000 PST and 2030 IST).

Team Form

Manchester City

City captain Vincent Kompany had received a red card against Arsenal but his ban has been lifted so he will be available to lead his team.

Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure and Abdul Razak are all away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations to play for Ivory Coast.

Sergio Aguero has recovered from his injury but he might be used from bench because Dzeko has been performing impressively lately. He scored two goals against Arsenl at the Emirates.

Samir Nasri will also return from suspension but James Milner could be used ahead of him.

Fulham

Steve Sidwell missed the last game against Wigan after picking up a knock but he could be playing for the away team.

Defender Philippe Senderos picked up an injury against Blackpool and he might not be used.

If Sidwell does return, Ruiz and Berbatov will move forward to their preferable roles and Petric could be dropped down to the bench.

Richardson and Riise could battle for the left-back spot while Dejagah could replace Damien Duff on the right wing.

Recent Meetings

Star Man

David Silva (Manchester City): David SIlva is one of the most significant players for Manchester City. Silva makes complete key passes and they are known to be his biggest strength. His holding on-to the ball is strong and he can provide some good amount of set-pieces threat. He likes to do lay-offs and take set-pieces as well. Despite not scoring many goals and making many assists, he is still City’s key player. 

Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham): Berbatov has turned out to be one of the most important signing for Fulham this season. He hardly took any time to settle at the club and has scored 7 goals and made 3 assists from 17 league appearances for the club. His holding on to the ball and his passing are known to be his key strengths and his exception finishing skills help him turn almost every ball into a goal. He can also provide some defensive contribution.

My prediction: 3 – 1. Manchester City are keen on earning every possible point at this time of the season and they will not be losing any points to Fulham at home. While Fulham will not be match for City’s game, their forwards will make every possible effort to land at least one goal.

Written by Rida Mehtab (@RidaaMehtaab on Twitter)