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On the face of it, there is a certain civility about this game, underlined by the respective managers of both clubs - the dapper Roberto Mancini and the affable Uncle Woy. Under the surface, however, both men display considerable determination and resolve, and these character traits are clearly identifiable when one looks at the teams involved in Sunday's fixture. In recent games, City have displayed significant resilience, and although a draw against Sunderland wasn't ideal, the manner in which Mancini's team took the game to the Black Cats in the second half was encouraging. As for Fulham, their home form has been very good indeed, and overcoming them at Craven Cottage will be a tall order - only Chelsea, Arsenal and Villa have beaten them on their own patch. Additionally, considering that Spurs, Villa and Liverpool all gained three points in their most recent fixtures highlights the importance of a Cirty victory. Although I wouldn't call this game a "must-win" (I'd reserve that status for the Villa and Tottenham ties as things stand), it's about as close as one can get.

The good news for City is that this game may come at an opportune moment - Fulham's good form saw them involved in a Europa Cup tie against Juventus, and with an FA Cup game against Spurs on Wednesday, maybe, just maybe, Fulham will take their eye off the ball on Sunday. Additionally, they have a few injury concerns, with Hangeland 50-50 for the Juve game, Pantsil and Andy Johnson still out of contention and the likes of Murphy, Dempsey and Riise all feeling their way back after injury or illness. Nevertheless, Fulham under Hodgson are a professional outfit, and I expect that any fringe players coming in for the Cottagers will be eager to impress. City have few injury issues at the time of writing, although losing Wayne Bridge for possibly the rest of the season is a set-back.

As far as team selection and formation goes, Mancini's dilemma is; stick with the 4-5-1/4-3-3 that worked so well against Chelsea and so poorly in the first half against Sunderland, or go with the 4-4-2 that overwhelmed the Black Cats in the second half? It's a tough call, and although many City fans are crying out for a more positive, attacking approach, I feel that at Craven Cottage starting with a 4-5-1 may be prudent. Mancini's, and City's strengths, lie in the ability to change tactics quite effectively, often taking advantage of teams that are slow or unable to react, so beginning the game with a solid, more conservative line-up, and then having the option to build on this may be the way to go. Perhaps more crucial are the performances of the individual players. At Sunderland, at least three or four of the City players didn't perform as they can, Richards, SWP, Bridge and perhaps Kompany being the most guilty parties. It will be important to retain possession and keep the tempo up from the start - no doubt Fulham will close space down quickly and try to spoil City's rhythm, as Sunderland did last week - and Tevez cannot be allowed to be so isolated as he was until RSC came on to link the play. Gareth Barry should be under instructions to play a bit further up the pitch, both to thwart Fulham's deep-lying creative midfielder and to support/supply Tevez when possible. Similar instructions should also be applied to the City wingers - getting Bellamy and AJ playing in the final third, and joining Tevez, is key. Against Fulham, there are a few encounters that will be vital to the outcome of the game -

Lescott/Kompany vs. Zamora/Nevland - I don't know if Nevland will make an appearance, but Zamora is a likely starter, and he's been causing problems for defenders who don't like a battle. Lescott is usually up for this, but Vinnie needs to put last week behind him. One concern about Lescott was the heavy strapping/bandaging on his knee during the Sunderland game - hopefully just a precaution.

Richards or Zaba vs. Dempsey - If Dempsey plays, he can really make a difference for Fulham. Iirc, he gave Micah a tough time in the 2-2 draw at Eastlands in October, but the American can also play on the right-wing or behind Zamora. Conversely, if City's full-backs can get forward without leaving gaps, then they can really aid the attacking efforts - Konchesky is not the best, defensively-speaking.

Barry vs. Greening or Murphy - Barry really needs to dominate this encounter. Greening is the likely starter (?), and is a solid, experienced player who has an eye for a pass, so it's critical that Barry negate the Fulham midfielder's influence and create something for City's front players.

Bellamy vs. Baird - Bellers is due a big game, although Baird has been decent this season.

AJ vs. Konchesky - as mentioned above, Konchesky can be caught out. If AJ is not making headway, give SWP a go - the two wingers can raise their games this way, as we've seen recently. The reliance of City on their wide players is a concern, but with little creativity available through the middle, beggars can't be choosers.

Other issues for Mancini will be the left-back spot, of course. Lescott can do a good job there, as can Barry or Zaba, but I prefer them in their usual roles. This leaves Garrido and Sylvinho, and on balance I'd give Garrido the shirt over the experienced Brazilian - he's a bit faster, a bit better in the air and has a great left-foot. Considering that the left-back slot is now open for the rest of the season, I'm hopeful that Garrido will seize the opportunity, although I wouldn't be surprised if Mancini picks Zaba or Barry for the position and drafts Vieira (or Ireland?) into midfield. Anyway, my line-up for Sunday looks like this -

----------------------Given------------------------
--Richards----Kompany-----Lescott----------Garrido
-----Zabaleta----------------------De Jong--------
--AJ------------------Barry----------------Bellamy
----------------------Tevez------------------------

bench Taylor Sylvinho Onouha Ireland SWP RSC Vieira

Richards needs to pull his finger out, but he gets the nod at right-back. Ned or Zaba can replace him if required. Zaba and De Jong provide the donkey work in midfield, with Barry further forward. AJ gets the right-wing position, Bellers on the left and Tevez up front. The movement of the front three is a key to this game - Fulham can be a bit static in defense. There are plenty of options on the bench if necessary, and maybe this is a game where Ireland can re-establish his form at some point.

My Forecast? - Fulham 1, City 1. ~Bloovic~