Manchester City seek to maintain their perfect start to the new Premier League season when they welcome Fulham to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon (15.00).

The Citizens have claimed a maximum nine points from their opening three games against Burnley, Newcastle and Sheffield United, while Fulham managed to secure a draw away at the Emirates in their most recent top-flight outing.

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Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones remain absent for the champions, while Manuel Akanji could return to the fold after missing the win against Sheffield United through illness.

Jeremy Doku could make his debut for City after being an unused substitute against the Blades, but it remains to be seen whether Matheus Nunes will complete his proposed transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers in time to feature this weekend.

As for Fulham, Macro Silva returns to the dugout from a touchline suspension and Calvin Bassey is available once more after serving a one-game suspension in midweek.

Willian has missed Fulham’s last two matches due to a knock but could be fit enough to play some part here.

Manchester City (-3) @ 11/4

It’s not exactly a revelation, but Man City have been incredibly dominant in all three of their league outings this season.

Pep Guardiola’s side have had 61 attempts on goal with 21 of those on target, and they are averaging a chance every 4.8 minutes on average – only Brighton are ahead of them in those statistics.

In contrast, Marco Silva’s side have conceded the most shots on target so far at 27, which is six more than Sheffield United.

I’m expecting a comprehensive win for the hosts, who have won by an aggregate score of 22-2 in their last seven home meetings with the Cottagers.

Both teams to score – yes @ 11/10

For all of City’s dominance in their opening three games, that’s not to say that Fulham can’t put up a fight here.

Silva’s men managed to score against Arsenal and Spurs, and netted in both games last season against City. They aren’t renowned for ‘parking the bus’ in big games away from home, and the champions do give you openings as Sheffield United proved last week.

That’s why I fancy both sides to get on the scoresheet on Saturday.