Preview: Manchester City vs. Fulham

Roberto Mancini
© PA Photos
The pressure is on Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini to lead his team to three points against Fulham this weekend as arch rivals Manchester United sit level on points at the top of the table.

Following City's 1-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park on Tuesday, Mancini will be encouraged by a home Premier League tie.

Skipper Vincent Kompany is expected to keep his place in defence following his return to the starting XI this week after a four-match ban, while Gareth Barry should secure the middle of the park.

With Mario Balotelli serving a suspension, Edin Dzeko is expected to keep his spot up front alongside Sergio Aguero on Saturday.

Fulham manager Martin Jol confirmed today that midfielder Steve Sidwell will miss six weeks of action after picking up a hernia injury during the Cottagers' 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion last night.

Kerim Frei could take his place in the Ducthman's starting lineup as the London side search for their first win following the departure of striker Bobby Zamora.

Current form:

Manchester City: LLWWDL
Fulham: WWLWLD

Possible lineups:

Manchester City: Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Barry, Milner, Silva, Nasri, Dzeko; Aguero

Fulham: Stockdale; Kelly, Hangeland, Senderos, Riise; Murphy, Frei, Davies, Duff; Dempsey, Ruiz

Sports Mole says: 2-0
Tables
TeamPGDPTS
1Manchester United384389
2Manchester City383278
3Chelsea383675
4Arsenal383573
5Tottenham Hotspur382072
6Everton381563
7Liverpool382861
8West Bromwich Albion38-449
9Swansea City38-446
10West Ham United38-846
11Norwich City38-1744
12Fulham38-1043
13Stoke City38-1142
14Southampton38-1141
15Aston Villa38-2241
16Newcastle United38-2341
17Sunderland38-1339
RWigan Athletic38-2636
RReading38-3028
RQueens Park Rangers38-3025