Manchester City vs Fulham preview

Roberto Mancini will continue to encourage his players into making a real drive towards the top of the Premier League, whereas Fulham will be looking to take another step towards their aim of a top-half finish in the clash at the Etihad.

City have continued to flex their muscles of late and were happy to take advantage of Arsenal's current plight and take 3 points back to Manchester, with wins against Stoke and Norwich also contributing to their title challenge.

The Citizens have not produced the sort of displays that saw them lift the title last year, and with Manchester United strengthening their squad with the ever-impressive Robin van Persie in the summer, it is no wonder that the Reds have outshone their Blue neighbours this term.

Mancini will be desperate to cut United's 7-point advantage at the top of the League, and with he has been handed a huge boost with the news Sergio Aguero could be in line to return to action after his hamstring injury.

Martin Jol has confirmed that his star man Dimitar Berbatov will return to the first team after being rested in their trip to Blackpool during the week, and Steve Sidwell is also in contention to reclaim a spot in the midfield after overcoming a hamstring problem.

The Cottagers' only victory in their last 5 league games came in a surprising 2-1 win against West Brom on New Year's day.

Although Fulham have only managed to keep a clean sheet once in their last 15, in the last 10 visits to Manchester City they have only lost on 3 occasions.

Do not be surprised if Fulham return to London with a share of the spoils.

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