Manchester City v Fulham

                                                         

Preview


City stars tailor their tricks for Fulham and Felix

Captain Kompany may not be available for any comedy on Saturday afternoon, but Manchester City's showdown with Fulham this weekend still promises to alter the appearance of the Premier League table at both its head and its toes. The Belgian spawned the sniggers in last year's reverse fixture with a comical own goal, but an illegal shove on Hull City's Nikica Jelavić last weekend has prevented the defender from suffering any similar embarrassment this time round.

We've seen the blues poison their Premier League opponents with a catastrophic concoction of class, power and pace this season, but a different side to the title chasers revealed itself at the KC Stadium last weekend. Vincent Kompany's early dismissal threatened to pollute his side's afternoon against an assured Hull City team, but an impressive showing of courage guided the blues to a flavourful 2-0 win. David Silva played commander in the precious victory, and tales of the Spaniard's class resounded around the tabloids the following morning. 

(The stats don't lie: David Silva compared to his Spanish compatriots Andres Iniesta and Xavi)

Kompany's one-match suspension lends itself to the formation of a fresh defensive partnership, and Manuel Pellegrini would be irrational to field anyone other than the two men who flawlessly tamed the Tigers last week. Manchester City's two favourite scapegoats Martin Demichelis and Javi García combined securely to deny Shane Long and Nikica Jelavić any scent of goal, and the Tigers were left ravenous for another weekend. The unlikely duo will almost certainly be reinstated against Felix Magath's Fulham, and another sturdy display could change the minds of City fans who have issued the pair with a generous helping of criticism this season. 

Managerial modifications have bruised Fulham's 2013/2014 campaign, and their latest employee has been unable to propel a flight out of the relegation zone since his arrival last month. Felix Magath's Valentine's Day appointment has lacked any sort of romance and just one win in four games has left the Cottagers gasping for air at the bottom of the Premier League. However, last week's 1-0 victory over Newcastle United will provide Magath's side with a dose of hope on their visit to the Etihad Stadium where they boast an impressive record.

(Felix Magath is desperate to save his new side from relegation)

In eleven fixtures at the Etihad Stadium, the Cottagers have collected three wins and four draws - a track record not many Premier League sides are able to celebrate. If Felix Magath's men are to take anything from their muscular hosts on Saturday afternoon, they will have to consult previous results at Eastlands and summon the belief and desire that motivated a crucial win last weekend. Eight games remain for Magath's minions to maintain their Premier League status, but with the title in their sights, Manchester City should provide an obstacle too big. 

Prediction: 3-0

Line-Ups

With Vincent Kompany suspended, Martin Demichelis and Javi García are likely to be given the opportunity to solidify their defensive partnership after an admirable showing at the KC Stadium last weekend. Joleon Lescott remains in contention for a starting place, but with Manuel Pellegrini likely to opt for a 4-4-2 formation on home turf, Javi García should be available for a place in the heart of the defence.

(Martin Demichelis and Javi García could partner up in the heart of City's defence once again)

Tuesday's tie with Manchester United is likely to affect the Chilean's selection, but with just eleven games left to play, Manuel Pellegrini can not afford to tinker with the strength of his team. Jesus Navas and Jack Rodwell could be included to provide the blues with energy and pace in the midfield, whilst Yaya Touré could be afforded a rest ahead of the derby.

Stevan Jovetić is available for selection after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but Álvaro Negredo could be summoned to partner Edin Džeko after occupying the bench last week. Sergio Agüero remains unavailable but will train with the team next week.

(Stevan Jovetić is available to play after his latest injury set-back)

Konstantinos Mitroglou, Seyed Dejagah and Scott Parker will miss the game for Fulham.

Possible line-ups

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Demichelis, García, Kolarov, Navas, Fernandinho, Rodwell, Silva, Džeko, Negredo

Fulham: Stockdale, Heitinga, Amorebieta, Hangeland, Richardson, Sidwell, Karagounis, Kvist, Riise, Kacaniklic, Holtby

Head to Head Stats

• In eleven games at the Etihad Stadium, the teams possess similar records. The blues have four wins compared to Fulham's three with the other four ties ending in draws.
• Last season's fixture ended in a 2-0 win for City with two goals from David Silva. 
• Fulham's last win at the Etihad came in April 2009 when Dickson Etuhu and Clint Dempsey fired their side to a 3-1 win.

Premier League stats

• Manchester City (71) have scored 41 more goals than their Saturday opponents (30)
• Fulham (65) have conceded 38 more goals than Manchester City this season (27)
• The blues boast an impressive pass accuracy of 86% in the league this season compared to Fulham's 79%
• Pellegrini's men (374) have created an incredible 134 more chances than Fulham (240)