Manchester City vs Fulham: team news, injury latest, how to watch and predicted line-ups

Manchester City will be looking to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup then they face Championship side Fulham away at home on Saturday afternoon.

The match, which kicks-off at 3pm, will see City try and reach the fifth round of the competition - a feat they have achieved in their last six attempts. Pep Guardiola has guided his side to one FA Cup victory during his tenure at the club, winning the prestigious trophy in 2019 - their sixth overall.

The Sky Blues’ league form coming into the competition is strong, having won 18 of their 23 games so far, including a 1-1 draw against Southampton on January 22.

As for Fulham, they beat Bristol City 1-0 in the last stage of the competition, with Harry Wilson’s extra-time goal securing their progression.

The Cottagers’ league form has been solid coming into this fixture, with four wins in their last five. Their most recent result was a 1-1 draw with Blackpool on Saturday.

The sides head into the game both top of their respective leagues, with City the Premier League leaders and Fulham the same in the Championship.

Overall, the Mancunian club has the better record when coming face to face in all competitions. Of their 69 meetings, they have won 36 of them, while the Cottagers have been victorious 17 times and honours have been even on 16 occasions.

The two teams’ previous meeting came in the Premier League last season and ended in a 3-0 win for the Sky Blues. John Stones, Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero were on the scoresheet for City.

What’s the latest team news?

City haven’t played since 22 January due to the Premier League’s mid-season winter break, with a rest given for the English top-flight’s players.

The club have however posted some photos and a video of their squad training on Wednesday, with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riyad Mahrez, Romeo Lavia and James McAtee noticeable attendees.

Brazilian duo Ederson and Jesus were absent from training due to being on international duty with their national side.

Guardiola will likely start with either of his preferred 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formations, the latter being used against Southampton.

There’s potential for rotation in the Sky Blues’ starting XI, with Ederson and Jesus recently playing, as well as more senior names potentially rested for league action.

Guardiola has confirmed he has a full strength squad to chose from on Saturday, bar Jesus and Cole Palmer, with the former picking up a ‘little niggle’ with Brazil and the latter unavailable since their last FA Cup fixture.

The visitors will definitely make one change from their 1-1 draw with Blackpool on Saturday due to long-serving defender Denis Odoi, who started at right-back against the Seasiders, departed the club on deadline day.

Marco Silva moved swiftly to replace the 33-year-old with Liverpool defender Neco Williams, who could make his debut for the club against City.

Predicted line-ups:

Manchester City (4-3-3): Steffen; Walker, Stones, Ake, Zinchenko; Rodri, Fernandinho, McAtee; Sterling, Grealish, Foden.

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Williams, Adarabioyo, Ream, Bryan; Reed, Cairney; Wilson, Carvalho, Kebano; Mitrovic.

Is the match on TV?

The match won’t be shown live in the UK due to its 3pm kick-off. Matches at that time fall under a broadcast blackout.

How can I catch the highlights?

BBC Sport will have highlights videos of the day’s games online - and follow ManchesterWorld for all the action live from the Etihad, with player ratings and analysis on the final whistle.