De Bruyne, Rodri, Bobb - Man City injury news and return dates ahead of Fulham
Manchester City returned to winning ways on Tuesday night with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League
Manchester City enjoyed a perfect return to form on Tuesday night as they brushed Slovan Bratislava aside on the second matchday in the Champions League.
After a disappointing draw at Newcastle, Pep Guardiola's side put their Slovakian opponents to the sword and in truth should have won by more. Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden, who made his first start for the Blues this season, scored in the opening quarter of an hour to put the game beyond doubt.
However, City were frustrated until the 58th minute when Erling Haaland rounded goalkeeper Dominik Takac to make it 3-0. The scoring was completed with just over 15 minutes to go as Foden chipped the ball through for James McAtee to score his first-ever Champions League goal.
Fortunately for the Blues, it appears they did not suffer any fresh injury concerns. With that in mind, MEN Sport has rounded up the latest injury news from the Etihad Stadium treatment room.
Kevin De Bruyne
Injury: Thigh
What we know: De Bruyne was once again missing from the squad on Tuesday night as the wait goes on for his return. Guardiola is not certain whether the Belgian will return before or after the October international break but considering his recent injury record, the Blues are likely to exercise caution.
Rodri
Injury: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
What we know: Before the game in Bratislava, John Stones revealed he spoke with Rodri recently and he discovered the Spaniard's surgery was successful. Rodri is now on the long road to recovery.
Potential return date: August 2025
Oscar Bobb
Injury: Fractured Leg
What we know: The Norwegian suffered his leg break in August and he is now in a race against the clock to come back before the end of the year. The hope is that Bobb will play some part over the festive period.
Potential return date: December
Nathan Ake
Injury: Hamstring
What we know: Ake looked to be in severe pain after coming off with a hamstring injury during the last international break. The Dutchman will likely be back after the October international break.
Potential return date: Wolves (A) - October 20
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/de-bruyne-rodri-bobb-man-30050231
"Even with my bias" - Sheffield Wednesday: Fernando Forestieri valuation claim made with Fulham bid in mind
This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Sheffield Wednesday came extremely close to a return to the Premier League in the 2015/16 campaign, the same season that a fan's favourite joined the club.
The Owls finished mid-table in 2014/15, and were looking for that one player to take them to the next level.
In the summer of 2015, with Watford promoted to the top flight, Carlos Carvalhal brought in Fernando Forestieri to provide the goals and assists that Sheffield Wednesday had been missing to give them a chance at the play-offs.
It was a plan that worked, and over the course of the next five years the Argentinian-born former Italy U21 international played a pivotal role in the relative success that the club had, finishing in the top six of the Championship twice.
Prime Forestieri's current market value
In the nine years that have followed since the now 34-year-old made the move to Hillsborough, the transfer market has changed hugely, with the cash being spent in the second tier seemingly rising season by season.
With that in mind, Football League World has asked their Sheffield Wednesday Fan Pundit, Patrick McKenna, how much he believes the forward would be worth in today's market, after joining the Owls for £3 million.
"Prime Fernando Forestieri was an absolute joy to watch as a Wednesday fan," he started. "He was simply fantastic for us and on his day he was absolutely unplayable in the Championship.
"It's undeniable how good he was in his prime, and if you just watch how he's able to run at defenders for some of the goals that he scored for any team he played for. He just had those moments of individual brilliance that just made him stand out against any other player on the field.
"But for his transfer market value, I would go back to 2017 when he was at Wednesday. Allegedly, Fulham put in a bid of £12m for him, which was rejected at the time. So now, seven years later, I think it would be very reasonable to say that we could have been asking for at least £20m for Forestieri."
Patrick continued: "That might seem crazy for a player whose prime was in the Championship, but I don't think that seven years on adding £8m to his value is that outrageous at all. He was just so, so good, and I almost get kind of sad just thinking about what a good player we did have on our hands.
"Players have gone for £20m at least who I would say weren't as good as Forestieri, even with my bias towards him."
Sheffield Wednesday nearly missed out on Forestieri
Despite playing such a pivotal role for the Owls throughout his time at the club, it nearly never happened, with Leeds United close to signing Forestieri in the summer of 2015 instead.
Although he made 24 appearances for Watford during their promotion campaign, he was not a part of their plans for the 2015/16 season, and clubs from the Championship watched on.
The Whites tabled a £3 million bid of their own, but they decided to withdraw their offer just before deadline day, allowing Wednesday to swoop in.
Then Leeds owner, Massimo Cellino, explained why they stopped their chase: "We decided on Tuesday we would not be signing Forestieri, it was clear he didn't have the right mentality needed.
"I want players to show a hunger and desire to come here - but he did not.
"It was not about the money. A player could cost £3m, £5m or be a free transfer, but if their mentality isn't right then I will not sign them for Leeds."
The decision taken by Cellino was possibly the wrong one looking back, but it did allow the Owls to enjoy one of the best players to wear the blue-and-white stripes in the last decade.
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sheffield-wednesday-price-on-a-prime-fernando-forestieri-in-todays-market/
Man Utd 'accelerate' Fulham transfer plan as West Ham 'identify' replacement for key player
All the latest news surrounding the Premier League as preparations ramp up for more action this weekend.
The Premier League table is now beginning to take shape with the season gathering pace. Crystal Palace have been the biggest strugglers from the London sides so far, still searching for their first win of the league campaign after six games.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Fulham have all impressed, while Tottenham are playing catch-up after a below par start. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Premier League clubs as another big weekend comes into view.
Robinson race
Manchester United are said to be pushing ahead with plans to sign Fulham full-back Antonee Robinson, who has also been linked with a move to Liverpool. United have big problems on the left side of defence, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still out with injury.
Right-back Diogo Dalot had to play there against Tottenham, with Erik ten Hag desperately needing options on that side. Robinson is seen as the solution, according to Give Me Sport, with United said to be 'accelerating plans' to pull off a deal for the American.
https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/man-utd-fulham-transfer-plan-4805429
Man City v Fulham early team & injury news - four out and one doubt
Manchester City will be without several key players for Saturday's Premier League game.
Manchester City return to Premier League action this weekend following Tuesday's Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava.
The Blues breezed to a 4-0 win in Slovakia with a heavily rotated side, as Ederson, Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish dropped to the bench. All five could return to the starting line-up against Fulham, in what will be a challenging fixture.
Marco Silva's side are unbeaten in five league games and last week's win over Nottingham Forest means they sit just three points behind City in the early league table.
Fulham could also have a clean bill of health for Saturday's game, with Carlos Vinicius the only injury concern. The Brazilian hasn't featured this season and is struggling with a calf issue, although Silva said last month that Vinicius was close to returning and the striker might be available for the trip to the Etihad.
As for the champions, Pep Guardiola confirmed on Monday that Kevin De Bruyne won't be back until after the international break. Therefore, City will most likely start with Phil Foden or Ilkay Gundogan in an attacking midfield role against Fulham.
Nathan Ake is also expected to return after the two-week hiatus in the club season and the defender hasn't played since suffering an injury during the last international break.
Elsewhere, Oscar Bobb won't be back until the new year and Rodri's ACL injury has ruled him out for the remainder of the season. Saturday will offer another opportunity for Guardiola to try and find his perfect midfield combination in the Spaniard's absence.
Injury list: Ake, Rodri, De Bruyne, Bobb (City), Vinicius (Fulham).
https://www.manchesterworld.uk/sport/football/manchester-city/man-city-v-fulham-early-team-injury-news-four-out-and-one-doubt-4806100
Marco Silva wants Fulham to offer £65,000-a-week player a new contract
Fulham have made a superb start to the new Premier League season.
The Cottagers reside in sixth place having won three, drawn two and lost once from their opening six games.
Marco Silva has established Fulham as a really strong side at this level and it appears as though they could be in with a shout of European Football, should they continue this momentum.
With that said, after making such a brilliant start, Silva wants to reward one of his first-teamers with a new contract.
Fulham want to extend Adama Traore's contract
TBR Football understands that Fulham are ready to open contract talks with Adama Traore after his hugely impressive start to the new season.
Traore has been reinvigorated under Silva and is starting to fulfil his true potential – which Wolves managed to unlock at times.
The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and TBR Football has been told that Silva has given the green light for the club to open contract talks with the Spanish international – who has two goals and an assist to his name already.
The Barcelona youth product is understood to be earning around £65,000-a-week, according to Capology, so any forthcoming renewal could place him among Fulham's top earners.
Adama Traore statistics
Traore's underlying FBref statistics make for very impressive reading and evince exactly why he should be offered a new deal.
The former Wolves wide player ranks in the top one per cent for assists per 90 compared to his positional peers across Europe.
He also sits in the top four per cent for progressive carries, amplifying his terrific dribbling ability.
https://tbrfootball.com/marco-silva-wants-fulham-to-offer-65000-a-week-player-a-new-contract/
Manchester City
Fulham
Find out everything you need to know ahead of City's Premier League clash with Fulham.
WHEN AND WHERE
We host the Cottagers at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday 5 October, with the game scheduled for kick-off at 15:00 (UK).
The game will not be shown on live TV in the UK so make sure you keep across all of the action via the Official Man City App, as well as the key moments on Twitter: @ManCity.
Supporters living around the world can find out how they can tune in via our global listings, courtesy of livesoccertv.com.
MAN CITY APP COVERAGE
Our official app allows you to follow all of the action from the Etihad in one place.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at 13:45 (UK).
We will have guests Paul Dickov and Kit Symons on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight before, during and after the action.
During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Andy Morrison while our text commentary continues.
Make sure to have push notifications turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action, including goals, red cards and the team news.
Short highlights from the match are available from 19:00 [UK] while extended highlights, as well as a full-match replay [available on CITY+] can be accessed from midnight.
PEP GUARDIOLA PREVIEW
Pep Guardiola will be facing the media at his pre-match press conference from 13:30 (UK) this Friday, where the City boss will provide all the latest team news updates and you can follow it live on mancity.com and our official app.
Don't worry if you are unable to watch Pep's press conference as it happens as we'll have a written review and video recap soon after it has concluded.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Our last home game against Fulham in September 2023 saw Erling Haaland bag a hat-trick, with Nathan Ake and Julian Alvarez also on target in an impressive 5-1 victory, which maintained our 100% winning start to the season.
We faced them again later that season in May, and emerged 4-0 victors with Josko Gvardiol scoring twice, added by Phil Foden and Alvarez goals.
LAST TIME OUT
Our last league encounter was a tense 1-1 draw against Newcastle at St James' Park last weekend.
We were also in action in the Champions League on Tuesday night, securing a convincing 4-0 away victory over Slovan Bratislava thanks to goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and James McAtee.
As for Fulham, they ended Nottingham Forest's unbeaten start to the campaign last weekend, with Raul Jimenez netting a penalty in an impressive away victory for Marco Silva's side.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Peter Bankes.
Assistants: Eddie Smart, Nick Greenhalgh.
Fourth official: Oliver Langford.
VAR: Graham Scott. Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis.
GLOBAL TV LISTINGS
Supporters living around the world can find out how they can tune in via our global listings by clicking here, courtesy of livesoccertv.com.
News about Man City v Fulham
City v Fulham: Matchday Live the perfect destination with no live UK TV coverage
City v Fulham is a Saturday 15:00 (UK) kick-off – meaning there's no live TV coverage in the UK. Read more
https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/city-v-fulham-match-preview-pl-5-oct-63863400
How the loss of of Joao Palhinha has forced Fulham to evolve
Charlie Shaw says the Portuguese midfielder's exit has caused a chain reaction that's shifted our entire style – for the better.
After a tumultuous 2023 summer window, the close season has been crucial in determining the direction Fulham will travel, whether that's sliding down the Premier League table or further cementing our top-flight spot. As the exit door was opened for a number of important squad members, much was made about the potential catastrophe looming at Craven Cottage. However, the opening period of this season suggests those fears were unfounded.
Joao Palhinha is truly a defensive icon, putting up six tackles and interceptions per 90 last season. His numbers are incomparable to anybody at the very highest level, and this gave Fulham a dilemma: replace the irreplaceable, in a system built around the Portuguese star, or revamp the system without him. Silva chose the latter, but how has the former Estoril boss achieved this?
A significant shift
The opening games this season point to the answer. In 2023/24 Fulham had the 17th-highest defensive line in the Premier League, as Silva's side sat in a low block, relying on Palhinha to break up attacks, forcing opposing sides into the Portugal international's path. Once we regained the ball, we were full of industry, albeit not so abundant with creativity, leaving the ball winner, Joao Palhinha, to distribute to Antonee Robinson and Andreas Pereira to kickstart the transition.
Without our midfield monster, Fulham have changed tack, rising to the fourth highest defensive line in the top flight so far this term. This change in tactic enables to win the ball higher, starting the transition faster. We have the third highest number of tackles won in the attacking third, compared to ranking 14th last season.
Paramount to this change is Fulham's record signing Emile Smith Rowe. Not renowned for his defensive actions, ESR has become increasingly involved in winning the ball back, recording three tackles in both of his previous two games. Partnering Smith Rowe's newfound work rate with his flair and creativity has seen the 24 year old flourish, as the former Arsenal star has been allowed attacking freedom to attack vulnerable defences after winning the ball in the final third.
Solidified defence
With Calvin Bassey's most regular centre-back partner, Tosin, departing to the dark side of SW6, Fulham were crying out for a right-sided centre half. Enter Joachim Andersen. Calmness personified, the Great Dane has defensive serenity at the Cottage not seen since his Scandinavian counterpart Brede Hangeland played here.
Andersen's passing range has given Fulham a completely different avenue for attack, as his long searching diagonals find Alex Iwobi, ESR or Adama Traore. If Andersen is the ying, then Bassey's the yang. They complement eachother perfectly, with the former Palace captain's aforementioned technical and leadership abilities perfectly covering for any of Bassey's weaknesses in passing and experience. And with the Joa overseeing the high line, Calvin's athleticism covers for his defensive partner's lack of pace, a prerequisite for playing a high line.
A potent midfield mix
Instead of having a midfield pivot of a true destroyer in Palhinha partnered by a typical number eight, through the opening five games of the season, Fulham have had their most fundamental change In the middle of the park. We've started the season with Sasa Lukic, a press-resistant midfield metronome, alongside Andreas Pereira, to create a technically proficient, yet energetic midfield duo. This cements Fulham's transformation into a team that wants to press high, utilising the vigour of Lukic, Andreas, Adama, Iwobi, and Smith Rowe to press a as a team, instead of leaving all the turnover of possession to Joao Palhinha, in less threatening areas of the pitch.
The addition of Sander Berge provides added balance to this midfield, with the Norwegian international the ideal man to drive Fulham up the pitch in transition, being acclaimed for his direct dribbling style, juxtaposing his large physical frame with nimble feet to beat players going forward, opening up the pitch in just a few strides. His four progressive carries per 90 in 2021/22 at Sheffield United announced the Norwegian's arrival in the Premier League and illustrate why the former Burnley man has been brought in to provide competition to – predominately – Andreas Pereira.
Fulham have taken on a more perilous system, but one that sees Marco Silva's men become more of an exciting side. The change between 23/24 and 24/25's systems may just be the largest in the Premier League club for club, but when you're dealing with a loss of a player as great as influential as Joao Palhinha, desperate times call for desperate measures.
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-10-02-how-the-loss-of-of-joao-palhinha-has-forced-fulham-to-evolve/
I had no regrets quitting Everton - now I could get a big-money move to Liverpool
Antonee Robinson has emerged as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League years after leaving Everton, and according to reports, the 27-year-old could be heading back to Merseyside
USA superstar Antonee Robinson is reportedly a top target for Liverpool - years after the Fulham defender admitted he had no regrets leaving bitter rivals Everton.
The United States international has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League but before that he had a difficult spell at the Toffees. He joined the club as an 11-year-old in 2008 and stayed with them until 2019 but failed to make a senior appearance before his exit.
Serious injuries and the likes of Leighton Baines and Lucas Digne ahead of him in the pecking order meant he departed the club for Wigan Athletic following a successful loan spell in the 2018/19 season.
Having spent just a season with the Latics, Robinson left the club for Fulham after their relegation to League One which came about after being handed a 12-points penalty for entering administration. The 27-year-old, who had been close to moving to AC Milan before joining Fulham, spoke to the ECHO after Wigan were resigned to the third division of England football and revealed the details behind his Goodison exit, admitting he has no regrets over his departure.
"Not one regret, no," Robinson stated. "Everton were always really honest with me, they just said, 'We've got rid of a few players but we definitely need to keep Bainesy. We can't get rid of Jags, the captain, and lose Baines as well.
"'It's getting rid of so much of Everton in the changing room and he's such a good player as well still. We've got him and Digne starts for us so you have to wait for two injuries to start so you're not even making the bench at the minute so we think it's best for you if you just leave. It's nothing to do with you, it's just you need to play.'
"I am really thankful they were that upfront and honest with me because it gave me the chance to go away and progress elsewhere."
Almost five years after leaving the club, Robinson could be set for a return to Merseyside with Liverpool reportedly interested in signing him. According to Give Me Sport, Arne Slot's side are said to face a fight to secure his signature with Manchester United and Chelsea also interested in him.
With the club making just one signing during the summer transfer window, it's been stated that the Reds are considering making an offer for Robinson either in the winter transfer window or next summer.
https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/liverpool-antonee-robinson-everton-fulham-30052803
Ex-PSG, Fulham and Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico returns to football with a win
After suffering a life-threatening head trauma over a year ago, Sergio Rico was a footballer again on Tuesday night, featuring for the first time for new club Al-Gharafa in Qatar. The 31-year-old had been without a club until September after his deal at Paris Saint-Germain expired, before signing with the same team as compatriot Joselu Mato. The ex-Real Madrid forward grabbed a brace to help them on their way.
Al-Gharafa secured a 4-2 win over Al-Ain, and gave Rico a happy return to action. As highlighted by MD, it is 492 days since he suffered a serious head trauma after a horse-riding accident, and was flown by helicopter to hospital. He would then be in intensive care for several weeks, with no certainty over whether he would be able to return to the game.
It has been 878 days since he last played a game of football, having been a back-up for Gianluigi Donnarumma at PSG. Rico's story is one of persistence and hard-work, and a feel-good occasion for the world of football.
https://www.football-espana.net/2024/10/02/ex-psg-fulham-and-sevilla-goalkeeper-sergio-rico-returns-to-football-with-a-win
Blackpool Manager Provides Update on Deal For Former Championship Winner
Blackpool have been a team transformed since Steve Bruce took charge after the September international break and they are proactively attempting to add quality to the squad by pursuing a deal for former Fulham midfielder Josh Onomah, who has been training with the club throughout the summer.
Blackpool's four-game League One winning run was ended by a 1-1 draw with Lincoln City in the midweek round of fixtures but the result did extend their unbeaten run in the competition to seven matches.
Josh Onomah Deal Would Provide Experience as Blackpool Chase Promotion
After failing to win any of their opening four league matches there would have been few that considered Blackpool as promotion contenders but they are a different side since former Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce took charge. They have picked up some big wins, including a couple of impressive away victories at Charlton Athletic and Huddersfield Town to earn them The Deck's League One Team of the Week award.
They have been led by the impressive central midfield pairing of Lee Evans and Albie Morgan but Steve Bruce is targeting a player he worked with at Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa to increase his options in the middle. Josh Onomah has been without a club since leaving Preston North End in the summer of 2023 but his ball-carrying attributes would be an excellent addition to the current options.
In the 2019/20 Championship campaign, Onomah played 34 times for Fulham and ranked second at the club with 1.2 successful dribbles per game. Neither Evans nor Morgan are particularly strong in this area, with both players averaging less than 0.5 in that metric per game so far.
The player has played over 100 games in the second tier, has featured in the Premier League and has appeared in Europe during his time at Tottenham Hotspur. His fitness may be an issue having not played a competitive game since May 2023 but Bruce is optimistic that the player, who played 20 times as Fulham won the Championship title in 2022, can regain his fitness and become an excellent addition to his team.
Steve Bruce Provides Update on Potential Deal
According to the Blackpool Gazette, the manager admitted yesterday that the club were close to a deal and he commented on the issue around the player's fitness having been out of action for a prolonged period:
"We're close to something, we'll know a bit more tomorrow (Wednesday), but something is close.
"If he does (get fit), then we have a player on our hands, because the kid can play.
"I've given him that opportunity, so we'll assess him to see where he is. We're confident he'll get there.
"He's missed the best part of 12 months, it's like someone having a serious injury. The fitness levels can go so quickly; it doesn't matter what you do in the gym. To be fair to Josh he's tried his best, he's doing everything he can.
"I had the conversation about him this week. If he can get himself right physically then we've got someone who's played at the top level.
"I'm really surprised he's been without a club for so long. He played for me and did well, so much so I nearly took him on Deadline Day when I was at West Brom."
The 27-year-old could turn out to be a shrewd signing for Blackpool if a deal does go through but fans would have to be patient as it would likely take some time for him to integrate with the squad and be at the level of match fitness required to feature regularly in the third tier. According to Bruce, there could be an update today, so this is a story to watch.
https://thedeck.news/blackpool-manager-provides-transfer-update-midfielder/
'I'm ready' - Former Arsenal and Fulham star still searching for new club after Gunners release
A former Arsenal and Fulham man is looking for a new club after his departure from North London in the summer.
Former Arsenal and Fulham star Cedric Soares is on the lookout for a new club after departing the Emirates Stadium at the end of last season. The full-back spent four years with the Gunners, arriving in 2020 from Southampton and generally struggling for game time.
Soares made just 36 league appearances during his time with the Gunners, and he spent time on loan with Fulham in 2023, making six league appearances. The 34-time Portugal international was released at the end of his contract during the summer just gone.
But unlike many released players, Soares has failed to find a new club, still on the lookout at the age of 33. "I continue to train every day. I'm ready to join any time," he told the Record, as reported by SportWitness.
"I feel good physically. Any time an interesting, competitive project comes along, which I also think is right for me and my family. Could we see Cédric in Portugal again? If the opportunity arises and it makes sense, yes. But I fought hard to have the career I've had. And I wanted to continue it in a competitive way and at a good level.
"And I think the Portuguese league has really grown a lot. It's become a very interesting league. But as I said, it has to make sense. And a team that's also open to it."
One move Soares may not be so keen on is a move to Sporting Lisbon Benfica or FC Porto, two rivals of former club Sporting CP. He added: "That question had to come up [laughs]. Let's spoil the interview. It was going well [laughs]. As I said, it's a very interesting league. And I'm going to leave it at that."
Soares' lack of Arsenal opportunities
Soares was actually signed by Mikel Arteta, but he rarely got opportunities, something he expressed frustration over back in October of 2022. He said at the time: "Of course I am disappointed that I have not played yet this season. I believe since I arrived at Arsenal I have been giving positive answers on the pitch every time I had the chance to play.
"I have been working hard every day, as this is the only way I know to get where you want to be. Of course I want to play and I want to help the team to win and achieve its goals and I will grab the opportunity when I get it. I feel I am in great shape and I am always 100 per cent ready to help the team. I like to help the team in any way I can on and off the pitch and that's important to me. Challenges are part of football and we have to understand that."
Arteta said in response the same week: "The competition is one thing, the second one is because he was injured for a while. He had a recurring injury but now he is fully fit and he's a player that deserves to play and I want to give him the minutes because he deserves it."
https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/arsenal/arsenal-fulham-star-ready-release-4806770
Confirmed Match Officials: Manchester City vs Fulham (Premier League)
Manchester City take on Fulham in the final Premier League match before the October international break, with the two sides meeting at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
Pep Guardiola's side come into the clash off the back of a convincing victory in European action on Tuesday night, cruising to a 0-4 rout over Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava on the continent.
Goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and James McAtee secured all three points in the league phase of this season's UEFA Champions League, moving the club much higher than their standing after matchday one's 0-0 draw against Inter Milan.
As for their opponents Fulham, Marco Silva's side have had an excellent start to the season and have only lost one of their opening six matches, with victories in their last two contests against Newcastle United at home and Nottingham Forest away.
Ahead of the meeting between Manchester City and Fulham, the Premier League have now announced the list of match officials to oversee proceedings at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon!
Match Referee
Manchester City against Fulham in the Premier League will be overseen on the field at the Etihad Stadium by 42-year-old referee Peter Bankes, it has been confirmed by the top-flight this week.
Bankes will be taking charge of his fifth match across all competitions this season, having so far issued a total of 21 yellow cards in that time, sending off no players, but awarding one penalty across his outings.
City have a mixed record in contests officiated by Bankes, winning two, drawing one, and losing two matches, with the latter pair of defeats being a 2-0 loss to Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, and a 1-2 home defeat to Brentford in the Premier League in 2022.
Assistant Referees
Supporting Peter Bankes on the field at the Etihad Stadium this weekend will be the allocated assistant referees Eddie Smart and Nick Greenhalgh.
Video Assistant Referees
Operating from the VAR Hub at Stockley Park, the Premier League have announced that Graham Scott will take up the role of Video Assistant Referee, with Sian Massey-Ellis operating as Assistant Video Assistant Referee.
Fourth Official
Overseeing proceedings in the two dugouts at the Etihad Stadium and maintaining order between Pep Guardiola and Marco Silva's respective Manchester City and Fulham benches will be fourth official, Oliver Langford.
https://cityxtra.co.uk/18749/confirmed-match-officials-manchester-city-vs-fulham-premier-league-2/
Pep Guardiola must unleash £250k-a-week Man City player vs Fulham, it's his time to shine – opinion
Manchester City are still unbeaten in the Premier League so far this season.
With six games played in this latest campaign, City have won four and drawn twice, bagging 14 goals and conceding six in the process.
Their latest league outing saw the Blues draw 1-1 against Newcastle United at St. James' Park before they then went on to beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0 on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola's side are back in league action again on Saturday as they welcome Fulham to the Etihad Stadium for their first meeting of the campaign.
Looking ahead to this game, one player from City's squad, who delivered a top performance in midweek should find himself remaining in the starting XI for the upcoming clash against the Cottagers.
Pep Guardiola must start John Stones against Fulham
For Tuesday's win in Slovakia, Guardiola made five changes to the starting XI he picked for last weekend's match at Newcastle.
One of the players who didn't start against the Toon but did against Bratislava is John Stones.
This was the £250k-a-week defender's third start of the season across all competitions having only appeared in five games in total.
With the full 90 minutes under his belt against Bratislava, the Englishman showed why he deserves to keep his place in the starting XI for Saturday's showdown with Fulham.
How did Stones fare against Slovan Bratislava?
Having touched the ball 120 times, only Ilkay Gundogan (145) had more touches than Stones, who accurately completed 109 of the 110 passes he attempted.
This gave him a passing accuracy percentage of 99%, having also made two key passes and five long-ball passes.
The defender also managed to have two shots at goal and create one big chance for his side in midweek.
Even though Bratislava only had 24% possession and three attempts at goal in total, Stones still managed to do his bit defensively by making one tackle, interception and clearance as well as blocking one shot and winning five of the seven duels he was involved in.
This performance ultimately earned the 30-year-old an impressive overall match rating of 8.6/10 from SofaScore, making him the highest-rated City player who didn't deliver a goal or assist for the Blues.
While Stones played in defence for this game, Guardiola could also deploy the England international in a midfield role against Fulham as a result of Rodri's knee injury which will keep him sidelined for the rest of the season.
Taking all of that on board, and the fact that he showed how effective he can be in front of goal by scoring the late equaliser against Arsenal, Stones has shown he deserves to start against Fulham and that now is his time to shine on a regular basis.
https://www.manchestercity.news/pep-guardiola-must-unleash-250k-a-week-man-city-player-vs-fulham-its-his-time-to-shine-opinion/
Pep Guardiola expects to be without Manchester City midfielder for Fulham clash in ongoing injury blow
Manchester City are expecting to once again be without midfielder Kevin De Bruyne for the visit of Fulham on Saturday afternoon, according to manager Pep Guardiola.
The Premier League champions will return to their top-flight schedule this weekend after claiming their first three points in the brand new league phase format of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
Four goals away from home without response from Slovan Bratislava rounded off a comfortable evening from the 2023 winners, with first-half strikes from Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden followed by Erling Haaland and James McAtee in the second-half.
However, with four key stars missing from the first-team once again in Slovakia, it appears as though there will be no change to Pep Guardiola's available personnel when Marco Silva and his players make the trip north on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking during a recent press conference, the Manchester City manager told reporters that while he does not know the current situation surrounding Kevin De Bruyne, he expects the Belgian to be absent for the visit of Fulham to the Etihad Stadium.
"I don't know," Guardiola responded when quizzed on the 33-year-old midfielder's fitness. "After Fulham or after the international break hopefully he will be fine," he continued.
Kevin De Bruyne sustained his fitness problem during a 0-0 draw with Inter Milan on matchday one of the UEFA Champions League's league phase, withdrawn from the contest at the half-time interval moments after taking a shot in the first-half.
Manchester City's vice-captain would go on to miss the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League, a 2-1 win over Watford in the Carabao Cup, as well as the last two contests against Newcastle United at St James' Park and Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.
It remains unknown how much training De Bruyne has undertaken since sustaining his fitness, however the current understanding is that he has been taking on individual work within the City Football Academy training base away from the first-team group on the field.
https://cityxtra.co.uk/18753/pep-guardiola-expects-to-be-without-manchester-city-midfielder-for-fulham-clash-in-ongoing-injury-blow/