Man City to maul Fulham in EFL Cup
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Manchester City head into Thursday night’s EFL/Carabao Cup fourth round match on top of the English Premier League. The Citizens have been brilliant this term and remain undefeated under Pep Guardiola.
Fulham have not enjoyed a great return to the top-flight and sit mired in the bottom three currently. Despite playing poorly in the league, Fulham have reached the EFL Cup fourth round and could give Manchester City a run for their money.
Guardiola’s team defeated lower league side Oxford United in the previous round, 3-0. It was a clinical performance, but the game was slightly closer than the final scoreline suggests. The Blues scored two goals in the final 12 minutes after Gabriel Jesus gave them the initial lead in the first half.
Fulham were 3-1 winners over Championship team Millwall. The Cottagers had little difficulty gaining the win as goals were scored by Joe Bryan, Lucas de la Torre, and Cyrus Christie. Manchester City will pose a much tougher challenge to Fulham on Thursday than Millwall did.
Manchester City have scored the Premier League’s most goals (27) while conceding the fewest (three). Their goals scored record is important to note as Fulham have allowed the most goals in the league (28).
The two clubs have already met this season in the Premier League. Played at the Etihad Stadium – the same place Thursday night’s cup tie will be played – Manchester City ran out 3-0 winners. The Blues had the game wrapped up within 47 minutes thanks to goals from Leroy Sane, David Silva, and Raheem Sterling.
Guardiola will have the chance to play several backups against Fulham. The Blues are coming off of a Monday night win over Tottenham in the league, and the short turnaround could see several starters from that match drop out of the squad. The good news for Manchester City is key players are back from injury and available for Thursday’s match. Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan will be available for selection along with Sane. Danilo has also returned from injury and could be in the squad against Fulham.
Fulham will have most of their players available as manager Slavisa Jokanovic has a nearly fully fit squad. Bryan will miss out, however, with an Achille’s tendon injury. Despite players returning, Fulham are heavy underdogs to Manchester City, according to leading sportsbooks. The Cottagers will have an eye on the league as they sit in the relegation zone due to goal difference.
Manchester City will pick up another win on Thursday night and move into the quarterfinals of the EFL Cup. The Blues are far too difficult an opponent and will get goals against Fulham’s weak defence.
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