How Manchester City could line up against Fulham

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is hoping to have Erling Braut Haaland available to face Fulham at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Norwegian goal machine has missed the last two matches with ligament damage, including the 3-1 Champions League win over Sevilla on Wednesday, and City's No.9 will be assessed ahead of kickoff.

The Citizens will be without Kalvin Phillips (shoulder) and Kyle Walker (groin), but Guardiola revealed earlier this week that it is "likely" the England duo will return before the World Cup break.

Guardiola made seven changes to his starting lineup against Sevilla and the Spaniard is expected to recall a number of his star names including midfield trio Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri and Bernardo Silva, the former of whom scored a stunning free kick to secure a 1-0 win at Leicester City last weekend.

First-choice goalkeeper Ederson is set to replace Stefan Ortega between the sticks, while John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Joao Cancelo could all return to start in the back four.

However, 17-year-old right-back Rico Lewis – who scored on his full debut against Sevilla – will be hoping to keep his place in defence after a standout performance in midweek.

Should Haaland return to the first XI, Julian Alvarez will likely drop to the substitutes' bench, while Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez will all be vying to start in the front three, with the latter the most likely to begin as a substitute.

Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Stones, Akanji, Ake, Cancelo; De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo; Foden, Haaland, Grealish