Guardiola impressed by Jokanovic's Fulham
Manchester City vs Fulham
Competition: F.A. Premier League
Date: 5.30pm, Saturday 15th September 2018
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee: Stuart Atwell Assistants: C Hatzidakis, R West Fourth Official: M Atkinson
Odds: City 1/7, Draw 10/1, Fulham 28/1
Tickets: Available via tickets.mancity.com
TV: Match of the Day (highlights)
Manchester City
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Squad (from): Ederson, Grimshaw, Muric, Kompany, Laporte, Mendy, Otamendi, Stones, Walker, Zinchenko, Delph, Fernandinho, Foden, Gundogan, Mahrez, Sane, B Silva, D Silva, Sterling, Aguero, Jesus
Injured: Bravo, De Bruyne, Danilo, Mangala
Doubtful: Sterling
Suspended: None
Form guide: WWWDW
Fulham
Manager: Slaviša Jokanovic
Squad (from): Bettinelli, Rico, Fabri, Odoi, Chambers, Le Marchand, Fosu-Mensah, Christie, Bryan, Mawson, Sessegnon, McDonald, Johansen, Cairney, Schurrle, Seri, Anguissa, Mitrovic, Vietto, Kamara
Injured: Ream, Kebano
Doubtful: Cairney, Ayite
Suspended: None
Form guide: LLWWD
Raheem Sterling is available again after withdrawing from international duty with England, and Pep Guardiola stressed that that he would like to see the winger sign a new contract at the club.
“It’s well-known that we are delighted with him – we would like to continue (with him),” Guardiola continued.
“The Club asked my opinion and I shared my opinion.
“Sometimes, this kind of thing needs time. What is important is Raheem and his people.”
Guardiola also stated that he has been impressed with Saturday's opponents Fulham, and believes that they can prosper in the Premier League.
“I was delighted by them,” he said. “Usually, there is not too much time to watch opponents but in this case, we have had two weeks.
“I had time and I saw three games. I was really impressed.
“I understood when I watched them the reason why they are in the Premier League. They have really good players, experienced players and they try and (I like) the way they want to play.
“They want to make their own game, and I’m pretty sure Slavisa Jokanovic is going to make a good season.”
City's last home game against Fulham at The Etihad ended in a 5-0 victory, with Yaya Toure netting a hat-trick for the Blues. Overall City have won 30 of the 63 games played against Fulham, with 16 draws and 17 defeats.
Predicted line-up: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Mendy, Fernandinho, D Silva, B Silva, Sterling, Mahrez, Aguero
Score prediction: Manchester City 3 Fulham 1