MANCHESTER CITY v FULHAM
Football : England : Premier League
Saturday, February 4th, 2012, 3:00PM GMT

---

PREVIEW

I don't think any of us saw that result coming last week, as Manchester City came back from Everton empty-handed, failing to even get on the scoresheet. Mind you, no one saw it coming when they suffered the same fate at the hands of Sunderland. Any more surprises in store here against visiting Fulham?

One could argue that it is possible, given the way Fulham fought back from 0-2 down in the reverse fixture to become the first team to take points off Manchester City, who started the season like a dog flying out the traps with it's tail on fire. Fulham have proved a handful to top teams this season, banging 5 past Newcastle in recent games, as well as overturning Arsenal's lead to win.

Dempsey is one of the main threats, as he scored in midweek against West Brom, and while Zamora is now at QPR, the Cottagers do have Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, who came over from Stuttgart. They will need to perform here, as City will be out for blood, having lost their last match to allow Manchester United to pull level, and of course there is the revenge angle for spoiling their potential win down in West London.

I think Manchester CIty will win this game, but the prices are too short, and while the -1.5 AH does interest, I'm chasing some bigger prices this week. I have a feeling, given the awful performance in midweek up at Everton, it is likely Manchester City will start strong and try and pounce all over Fulham.

Remember, Fulham conceded very early against Arsenal, and Newcastle, so this is a team that can be got at early. City will not want a repeat of the last match here, ending 1-1, or earlier in the season, so will try and have a comfortable lead by HT, after which Fulham might just settle and frustrate.

BETTING VERDICT

I reckon Manchester City will surely score in the first half, but with all the attacking footie it is likely they will add to that in the first half, or concede while going for it.

There is a big price available on Over 1.5 goals in the first half, and that is what I will go for.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Manchester City

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take 1st Half Goals - Over 1.5 Goals @ 2.40 (Bet365)