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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Chris Watson

Man City tipped to run riot against Fulham as pundits predict score

Manchester City are being tipped to run riot against Fulham this weekend.

Pep Guardiola's men return to Premier League action on Saturday when they take on the Cottagers at the Etihad Stadium (3pm).

City played out a goalless draw in Porto in midweek as they secured top spot in their Champions League group.

But in their previous league outing, they hit five past Burnley without reply.

Fulham have found it tough going following their promotion back to the top flight.

However, they claimed their second league win of the season last time out, beating Leicester City 2-1 at the King Power Stadium on Monday night.

That result lifted Scott Parker's men out of the relegation zone to 17th, with seven points from their opening 10 fixtures.

City, meanwhile, are 11th, with 15 points from nine league matches.

Former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen is backing Guardiola's side to replicate their 5-0 win over Burnley against Fulham.

"I worry a bit for Fulham here," said Owen in his latest BetVicto r blog. "They are suited to seeing a lot of the ball and play very much on the front foot.

"I don’t think the Cottagers are comfortable when asked to sit in, and I reckon that could be their undoing here.

"City showed how dangerous they can be in last week’s 5-0 win over Burnley, and if the visitors lose an early goal, I think there could be a similar outcome here."

BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson has echoed Owen's sentiments, and is predicting a 4-0 home win.

"Fulham got a really good win against Leicester last week - they played very, very well," said the former Liverpool defender.

"Scott Parker's side are easy on the eye and that's a big tick for him, however I don't think they'll have much of the ball against City.

"The Cottagers aren't ones to park the bus in front of teams, but the only chance they have against Pep Guardiola's side is by having possession because they're not very good at the back.

"It's also worth remembering that City have won their past nine matches against Fulham and scored a hatful of goals in the process.

"I wouldn't say it's a 'free fixture' but if Fulham get beaten 3-0 or 4-0 it won't raise eyebrows."

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