Premier League: Fulham v Man City match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage

Fernandinho (C) celebrates with Alvaro Negredo (L) and Yaya Toure (R) after scoring against Arsenal (GETTY IMAGES)

Fulham go into this Premier League fixture having failed to beat Manchester City in any of their previous nine matches against them. Fulham are currently placed 19th in the table and have the worst form in the league after managing only one win in their last eight outings.

New head coach Rene Meulensteen knows how important Fulham's home form will be in their bid for survival and a surprise result over City would boost their confidence ahead of matches against Norwich City, Hull City and West Ham United.

City are hoping to extend their five match unbeaten run in the league on Saturday. Manuel Pellegrini’s team currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League and are in high spirits after recent victories over European Champions Bayern Munich and Premier League leaders Arsenal.  City have notched an unrivalled 47 goals in the league this term, whilst Fulham have struggled for goals, managing to score only 15 all season.

Argentine teammates Sergio Aguero and Pablo Zabaleta are ruled out of this fixture with calf and hamstring injuries respectively. Micah Richards, Matija Nastasic and Stevan Jovetic will also not feature due to injury. Defender Fernando Amorebieta is a doubt for Fulham, with Hugo Rodallega and Brede Hangeland ruled out.

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Man City 2 (Silva 2) Fulham 0, Premier League, January 2013.

Fulham 1 (Petric) Man City 2(Aguero, Dzeko), Premier League, September 2012.

Man City 3 (Aguero, Baird OG, Dzeko) Fulham 0, Premier League, February 2012.

STATS:

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 10 of Man City's last 12 games in the Premier League.

Fulham have lost 7 of their last 8 matches in the Premier League.

Man City have been winning at both half time and full time in 5 of their last 7 matches in the Premier League.

Fulham have conceded at least 2 goals in 7 of their last 8 matches in the Premier League.

Man City have scored at least 2 goals in 7 of their last 8 matches against Fulham in all competitions.

ODDS:

Fulham to win: 9.0

Draw: 5.0

Man City to win: 1.35

TV: Highlights will be shown at 22.20 on MOTD.