How Manchester City could line up against Fulham

Manchester City return to Premier League action this weekend following a three-week break, with a trip to second-from-bottom Fulham to ease them back in.

The Citizens beat Watford 3-1 on March 9 to move clear of Liverpool at the top of the division, but the Reds have since regained top spot after playing a game more.

Pep Guardiola will be thankful that he has no fresh injury concerns following the international break, though a number of first-team stars are still either nursing injuries or are lacking fitness.

Ahead of Saturday lunchtime's trip to Craven Cottage, Sports Mole looks at how the defending champions could line up.

Out: Vincent Kompany (muscle), Claudio Bravo (Achilles) Doubtful: Fernandinho (groin), Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring), Benjamin Mendy (knee), John Stones (groin), Nicolas Otamendi (ankle), Fabian Delph (knock)

> Click here to see Man City's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

City welcomed John Stones, Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne and Benjamin Mendy back to light training earlier this week.

All four players are therefore in contention to start against Fulham, but it is unlikely that Guardiola will take any risks ahead of a gruelling run of fixtures.

The Catalan coach's hand may be forced a little in the case of Stones, though, as Aymeric Laporte is his only other fully fit central defender, with Vincent Kompany nursing a muscular problem and Nicolas Otamendi struggling with an ankle injury.

Should Fernandinho sit this one out, Ilkay Gundogan is the most likely option to anchor midfield.

Sergio Aguero, benched for the trip to Swansea City last time out, has been involved in six goals in his last four starts against Fulham in the Premier League and should get the nod here.