English Premier
2011-09-18 - Fulham vs Manchester City
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : English Premier League
Sunday 18 September 2011 - Kickoff 3pm
Fulham
Fulham put in an excellent performance against Blackburn Rovers at home last week, but Martin Jol is already under more pressure to deliver results regardless of the manner in which his team plays. The Fulham faithful have been treated to some real highs over the last few seasons by Roy Hodgson and Mark Hughes and they are not ready to let those times go.
The Cottagers are down in 18th spot in the early Premier League table having earned 2 points from their opening 4 fixtures. Both of those points have come at Craven Cottage, although I am sure the fans would have expected more from games against Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers. In both games, Fulham have dominated proceedings, but 2 points from 6 available at home is not the best form coming into a game with Manchester City.
A draw with Twente in the Europa League on Thursday means they have now drawn 3 of their last 4 home games in all competitions. Fulham have only lost 1 of their last 11 Premier League games in front of their own fans.
Aaron Hughes came off with an injury last Sunday against Blackburn and he is doubtful for this game as is Dickson Etuhu. The likes of Bobby Zamora and Bryan Ruiz should be restored to the side having been rested on Thursday.
Manchester City
Roberto Mancini believes his side were 'nervous and naive' in their opening Champions League game on Wednesday night against Napoli, but he will expect a lot more in the familiar surroundings of the Premier League. City have made a fast start to the League campaign to firmly throw in their hat as genuine title contenders this season.
Mancini has been rewarded for his attacking line ups with 4 wins out of 4 games in the League, all of those being entertaining too. Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri have fitted perfectly into the side as they have crushed opposition this season. City have won both away games while scoring 8 goals and conceding 3 and they very much look like a side that is willing to outscore the opposition.
City have won their last 3 Premier League games away from home, but they had struggled away from the then named City of Manchester Stadium before those wins, recording just 1 other win in 11 away games in all competitions.
Nigel de Jong remains sidelined and will be joined by James Milner in this match. City do not have any other injury worries to contend with.
Head to Head
Manchester City have a decent record against Fulham in recent season, particularly when they visit Craven Cottage.
City are unbeaten in 5 trips to this part of West London, winning 3 of those including the last 2. They won 1-4 in the corresponding fixture last season.
4 of those 5 games has seen at least 3 goals combined by the teams.
Prediction
Manchester City have been impressive so far this season and the layers are taking no chances with their price which looks remarkably short at a tough venue to visit.
In saying that, I do expect City will be too strong for Fulham as the home team may just be lacking a little bit of belief at the moment as they get used to the methods of Martin Jol.
However, the market that I will look to is the 'Over 2.5 Goals' which looks reasonably priced.
City look capable of scoring enough to cover this total themselves, while Fulham are more than capable of breaching a defence that has not kept a clean sheet away from home this season.
Goals look to be the order of the day and that will be my pick.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Fulham 1-3 Manchester City
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.92
