| Goals | Goals |
|---|---|
| 16. Sergio Aguero (10’) | |
| 6. Chris Baird (30’) [OG] | |
| 10. Edin Dzeko (72’) |
City looking for redemption against Fulham
Manchester City have lost their invincibility at the top of the Barclays Premier League and are now level on points with rivals Manchester United. The opportunity to stay at the summit of the log will present itself on Saturday evening as Fulham head to the Etihad Stadium, kick-off 19h30 (CAT).
Roberto Mancini’s side were on the receiving end of a 1-0 defeat to away to Everton and have now lost their advantage at the top with only goal difference separating them from neighbours United.
“January has been a difficult month for us because we have lost players either through injury, long suspensions or international call ups,” the Italian told mcfc.co.uk.
Fulham though were held to a 1-1 draw at home to West Bromwich Albion but have recently defeated fifth place Newcastle United 5-2 at home. A victory for Fulham at the Etihad Stadium would be considered unlikely but recent form does not suggest so.
But after the draw with West Brom, Fulham’s Brede Hangeland turned his attention towards gaining a positive result at City.
“Maybe we can go to Manchester City and get something there on Saturday,” he said.
“We know that on our day we can get a result against any team. We played well away to Arsenal and Chelsea this season and in recent seasons we’ve done well away to Manchester City.”
Martin Jol’s side will be handicapped by the departure striker Bobby Zamora to West London neighbours Queens Park Rangers but the manager has put his attacking option faith in American forward Clint Dempsey, who has scored 16 league goals this season.
"Clint scores goals from the left and up-front. It's extraordinary to score goals the way he does,” said Jol.
"He is normally on the left but he has played up-front and you know there are goals in him so I am pleased."
Mancini’s side is looking to bounce straight away after his side’s midweek defeat and has identified Fulham as lambs to the slaughter.
“We are still on top and getting back to winning ways against Fulham is very important,” Mancini said.
The last time the Citizens hosted Fulham the sides played to a 1-1 draw and it was the same result (2-2) at Craven Cottage earlier this season.
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