Premier League: Fulham v Manchester City match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage

15 September 2012 Dimitar Berbatov scores the first of two goals against West Brom on his home debut for Fulham. (GETTY IMAGES)

Fulham have won both of their home games this season without conceding a goal and considering Manchester City's defence has looked quite shaky so far this season, Martin Jol will have reason to believe Fulham can cause an upset on Saturday.

City’s defensive frailties were there for all to see in the League Cup on Tuesday as they were eliminated 4-2 by Aston Villa and although captain Vincent Kompany should return against Fulham to strengthen the back four, City’s defence remains suspect.

With all three of Jol’s new strikers scoring already this season, midfield is a problem area as Mahamadou Diarra, Simon Davies and Kieran Richardson are all out injured, prompting the Dutchman to reportedly run the rule over former Bolton midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker as a possible free transfer.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini could have Samir Nasri back in action for the trip to Craven Cottage after the Frenchman missed his club's lastt two games with a hamstring injury.

KICK OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Manchester City 3 (Aguero, Baird OG, Dzeko) Fulham 0, Premier League, February 2012

Fulham 2 (Zamora, Kompany OG) Manchester City 2, (Aguero 2), Premier League, September 2011

Manchester City 1 (Balotelli) Fulham 1 (Duff), Premier League, February 2011

STATS...

Fulham are joint top-scorers in the English Premier League with 12 goals from five games, matched only by second-placed Manchester United

Manchester City have not kept a clean sheet in any competition this season and have conceded two goals per game on average

Fulham, as the home side, have scored eight goals in two games on their own turf in the league this season

ODDS...

Fulham to win: 4.33

Man City to win: 1.80

Draw: 3.60

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.10pm