vs. 
Manchester City[/center][center]Sunday 18th September 2011, 15.00 BST[/center]
[center]Well, after the excitement of our first ever venture into the gravy train that is the Champions League, it’s back to the job of keeping up the pressure in the Premier League, at Craven Cottage.
In recent years, both City and Fulham have had a lot in common, both clubs living in the shadow of successful neighbours, both having dropped into the third tier of English football, and both having been managed by Kevin Keegan, either side of his tenure as England boss. They have also both been bought by gentlemen from the Middle East, although the Blues seem to have got the better deal.
Strangely enough, in view of City’s poor home record against Fulham, managing only two wins in the Premier League, the Cottage has been quite a happy hunting ground for us, with four wins, and the unforgettable 3-3 draw in the Sven era.
Of course it’s now a totally different ball game, with the Blues elevation into the elite of world football.
City are currently riding high in the league, with four straight wins from four played, with fifteen goals scored along the way.
Martin Jol’s side, in contrast are having an appalling start to the season, having picked up just two points in home draws against Aston Villa and Blackburn, managing to net just twice while conceding five times.
Last season’s corresponding fixture resulted in a very comfortable 4-1 victory to the visitors, and the City squad have improved beyond recognition from the side that Roberto Mancini put out that day.
It’s difficult to see how the home side are going to be able to get anything from this match, with the Blues recent potency in front of goal and the cottagers porous defence all indicating a busy afternoon for Aussie keeper Mark Schwarzer.
Player to watch for City
So many to choose from, probably the whole team on their day, but for me at the moment I’ll have to go for Edin Dzeko.
After a inconspicuous first half season, Dzeco has exploded this season and doesn’t seem to be able to stop scoring. With six goals from four games this season, and with the service he’s getting from Silva and Nasri, it’s hard to see him not improving on that total on Sunday.
Player to watch for Fulham
Clint Dempsey
Hugely talented midfielder, capable of turning a match on his day. One of the few bright spots in Fulham’s season so far.
Prediction
Fulham 1
Manchester City 4[/center]
