Premier League preview: Fulham v Manchester City

Fulham are the next team charged with halting Manchester City’s perfect start to the English Premier League season on Sunday.

After steady improvement under the stewardship of the Abu Dhabi United Group, who purchased the club in 2008, City announced their arrival as a genuine force last season with an FA Cup triumph and qualification for the Champions League.

And following the inclusion of Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri in what was already a star-studded line-up, they have proved largely unstoppable so far this season.

Victories over Swansea, Bolton, Tottenham and Wigan see Roberto Mancini’s side hold an enviable perfect start to the league season, matched only by cross-city rivals and reigning champions Manchester United.

Just like United, who were held 1-1 at Benfica, City finally hit an obstacle on Wednesday, as they drew 1-1 at home to Napoli in their first ever Champions League outing.

Nerves appeared to affect the City players and they needed Aleksandar Kolarov’s free-kick to claim a point after Edinson Cavani had given the Serie A visitors the lead.

Fulham also played out a 1-1 draw at home in European competition, against Eredivisie side Twente.

But unlike City, they have failed to set to the Premier League alight – quite the opposite in fact.

Under new manager Martin Jol, the west London club are without a win from their four league matches played.

Home draws with Aston Villa and Blackburn and defeats at Newcastle and Wolves have left the club third from bottom.

Ever-present Fulham defender Aaron Hughes was forced off in the last match, the 1-1 against Blackburn, and is in doubt for this week’s fixture, as is centre-back Philippe Senderos.

Simon Davies is sidelined with a knee injury, while a thigh problem could keep out his midfield colleague Dickson Etuhu.

City have close to a full compliment to choose from, with only midfielders James Milner (concussion) and Nigel de Jong (foot injury) in any doubt.