Phil Foden and Manuel Akanji to return, new signings on the bench – Predicted XI: Manchester City vs Fulham (Premier League)

The reigning Premier League champions host Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Manchester City look to maintain their 100 per cent start.

City are looking to follow up from their late win at Bramall Lane last weekend by claiming another three points before the upcoming international break – the first pause for international competitions so far this season.

It has been a flawless start for the treble-winners, acclaiming victory in all four matches this season, as they look to earn a fifth consecutive win, regaining their place at the summit of the Premier League table prior to the imminent hiatus.

Both clubs were active on deadline day; with Fulham strengthening their squad following the arrival of Alex Iwobi from Everton, while Manchester City announced the signing of Matheus Nunes from Wolves.

The arrival of Nunes left a question as to whether the midfielder would be involved on Saturday, however Manchester City assistant manager Juanma Lillo revealed the 25-year-old didn’t train with the first-team ahead of this weekend.

The Sky Blues did receive a boost to their squad however, with Lillo confirming the return of Manuel Akanji and Phil Foden.

While there are question marks around the possibility of seeing Nunes feature on Saturday, there’s no uncertainty regarding Jeremy Doku, who looks set to make his debut at the Etihad Stadium following the Belgian’s arrival from Stade Rennais.

After not featuring against Sheffield United, the right-winger may get his first minutes at the Etihad Stadium against Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

With that being said, here is the Manchester City side we predict to start against Fulham!

Predicted XI:

Ederson will keep his place between the sticks.

Kyle Walker crucially amended his error against Sheffield United with a determined piece of play, and we expect him to retain his place within the side.

Ruben Dias has been an integral part of the early success this season, putting his body on the line at a vital moment last Sunday. We expect the Portugal international to partner the returning Manuel Akanji in defence for the Blues.

We also expect Josko Gvardiol to continue his run of starts and keep his place in the side.

Rodrigo was the match-winner at Bramall Lane, and so we expect him to retain his position and start on Saturday.

Mateo Kovacic had another impressive display before being replaced by Phil Foden, but we predict the pair will start together against Fulham, completing the midfield.

Bernardo Silva made his first start since extending his City contract last Sunday, and we expect him to start on the right of attack – before we see an outing for new signing Jeremy Doku.

It was a mixed afternoon for Erling Haaland, who was left frustrated before he got his goal at Bramall Lane, but we look set to see the newly-crowned UEFA Men’s Player of the Year start again and hopefully build on his goal tally.

Jack Grealish provided the assist for Haaland’s opener against Sheffield United, and we expect Grealish to keep his starting place, completing the line-up for Saturday’s match!

Predicted XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Rodrigo, Kovacic, Foden; Bernardo, Haaland, Grealish.

Substitutes: Ortega, Lewis, Ake, Gomez, Phillips, Nunes, Bobb, Doku, Alvarez.