Man City v Fulham preview

Cottagers desperate for win in Manchester

By James Pearson   Last updated: 25th April 2008

Sven Goran Eriksson Manchester City manager

Eriksson: Defensive worries

PREDICTIONS:


Skysports.com predicts:
Man City 3 Fulham 1


SKY BET odds:
Man. City 4/5 Draw 9/4 Fulham 3/1


One to Watch:
Benjani


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Fulham could be relegated this weekend if they fail to beat Manchester City and both Bolton and Reading win at Spurs and Wigan respectively.

The Cottagers' 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool last time out left them five points behind third from bottom Reading with just three games remaining.

Roy Hodgson's side did win their last away game, although the West Londoners have secured back-to-back away wins in the Premier League just once in their history.

To make matters worse, City have the fifth best home record in England's top-flight with a haul of 37 points from their 18 games at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Hodgson's side will need to keep a watchful eye on in-form Darius Vassell, who has scored five league goals against the lowly Premier League outfit.

Captain doubtful

City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has a defensive headache for the visit of Fulham with captain Richard Dunne doubtful with a hamstring strain.

If Dunne is indeed ruled out then youngster Sam Williamson could be given his full debut after coming off the bench in last weekend's win over Portsmouth.

Although Micah Richards (knee) and Nedum Onuoha (shoulder) are out, Sun Jihai is set to return and could feature at right-back allowing Elano to secure his more familiar midfield role.

Benjani is likely to lead City's attack once again with Vassell and Bulgarian Martin Petrov for support.

Changes

Fulham may well ring the changes following their defeat to Rafa Benitez's side at Craven Cottage.

Erik Nevland and Diomansy Kamara may be given the nod ahead of Brian McBride and David Healy, who failed to impress against The Reds.

Hodgson will be hoping Antti Niemi is available following Kasey Keller's less than assured display against Liverpool. Niemi has been out of action with an Achilles injury.

Should Niemi miss out again Tony Warner may also be drafted in, as the West London club look to keep their survival hopes alive.

Jimmy Bullard and Simon Davies should retain their midfield places, although Leon Andresen could come in for Danny Murphy.

TeamManchester CityFulham
Games Played3535
Goal Attempts
Goals4232
Ave Goals per game1.200.91
Shots (excl blocked shots)300334
% Shots on Target45%40%
% Goals to Shots14%10%
Passing
Short Passes11,8279,190
Long Passes2,1072,139
Overall Pass Completion %76%70%
Crossing
Total Crosses654769
Cross Completion %21%21%
Defending
Goals Conceded4158
Ave goals conceded per game1.171.66
Tackles853776
Tackles Won %78%77%
Blocks, Clearances & Interceptions23362497
Discipline
Fouls400461
Yellow Cards4952
Red Cards36