Source: Man_City
Fulham v City: Preview
| Submit Comments| Comments (14)| Printable Version1/1Play SlideshowClose MapMicah Richards in action for England against FranceEngland duo Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards are Roberto Mancini's main doubts ahead of Manchester City's trip to Fulham on Sunday. Lescott is struggling with a foot injury, while Micah Richards has a rib problem following the midweek encounter with France. After successive goalless draws, City are hoping to get back to winning ways at Craven Cottage, although former manager Mark Hughes will no doubt have his team fired up for their first meeting with his old club. Mario Balotelli is still suspended. Carlos Tevez and Joe Hart should be fit in time. Richards, meanwhile, has hailed the twin driving forces behind his escape from the international wilderness ? dad Lincoln and Mancini. And the Blues right-back has vowed to ensure that his first cap in just under three years is not his last. Click on the gallery link above right to see player stats and head to heads on the game Richards, 22, came on as a half-time substitute to make his first appearance under Fabio Capello as England lost 2-1 to France at Wembley. It was not a great night for Capello or the Three Lions, but it was a special moment for Richards, making his first senior appearance for his country since the 3-2 home defeat against Croatia in November 2007 that cost Steve McClaren his job. The City full-back recently voiced his frustration at his international exile, arguing that he was good enough to be involved in the England set-up. And speaking at the opening of central Manchester?s new CityStore on Market Street on Thursda night, Richards revealed that his father and his manager have been key to maintaining his sense of self-belief. Lincoln has consistently told his son that he has what it takes to make it to the top and stay there. Richards said: ?My dad always told me to stay confident. He said to me: ?When you?re playing at your best, there aren?t many better than you.? I actually believe that. It?s good to have that confidence.? Mancini, meanwhile, stuck by the defender when he was linked with a move to Tottenham in the summer, and has since helped him improve his game. Richards added: ?I got my 12th cap on Wednesday night, and I think I owe a lot to Mancini for helping me through. I?m just enjoying my football. ?I came on in the second half and thought I did all right. I hope there?s more to come. It was good to get back in. I?d been saying in the media that I didn?t know what I had to do to get a chance. ?I?ve been given a chance now, and I think I?ve taken it. I hope I?ll be involved in the next squad. I want to keep myself in there now I?ve got that foot in the door again. ?I?ve had to face criticism, but then players always get criticised. I believe in my ability and so do the people close to me. ?It?s just about staying confident, really.? For Fulham, striker Moussa Dembele will be out of action for three weeks after aggravating an ankle injury in training.Mexican defender Carlos Salcido returns ahead of schedule after recovering from ankle ligament damage. Defender Chris Baird is back in contention after missing two weeks with a thigh tear. Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Kelly, Salcido, Hughes, Baird, Hangeland, Duff, Dempsey, Murphy, Davies, Gera, Etuhu, A Johnson, E Johnson, Stockdale, Pantsil, Kamara, Greening, Briggs. Manchester City (from): Hart, Richards, Zabaleta, Bridge, Lescott, Boyata, De Jong, Vieira, Barry, A Johnson, K Toure, Y Toure, Tevez, Silva, Adebayor, Kolarov, Given, Milner, Kompany, Boateng. Fulham league form: LWDLD City league form: WLWDD Key opponent: Clint Dempsey - American always capable of popping up with a goal Prediction: Fulham 0 City 1 - it might be another tight game, but City are due a goal and that could be enough Agree with the prediction? Have your say. Click here for all the latest odds from Betfred.
