Next up in our doubles analysis is Man City, a team undoubtedly relieved to have gained a point at the Stadium of Light last Sunday, with the heroics of Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon only undone by Adam Johnson‘s wonder goal. Still in the driving seat in the race for fourth place, they will be looking to really push on in this DGW. Here’s a look at their upcoming week…

The Opponents

Roberto Mancini’s side travel to Craven Cottage to face a Fulham side with one of the best home records in the league. Roy Hodgson’s outfit have recorded seven of their nine league clean sheets at home, and prior to last Sunday’s Old Trafford defeat, were unbeaten throughout February. Despite having been beaten only four times on their travels, too many draws mean City have only won four times on their opponent’s turf.

City then face Everton at the City of Manchester Stadium and go into the game protecting the last unbeaten home record in the Premier League this season. Despite Everton’s recent revival, they have been poor on their travels, winning just one of their last six away games, but with Jagielka, Arteta and Cahill back, and possibly Saha returning from injury, they may be a different proposition. City have kept four home clean sheets out of five league games under Mancini, and will be looking to avenge their 2-0 defeat at Goodison back in January.

Current Form

Having got off to a great start as boss, Mancini seems to be suffering from the same problem as Mark Hughes, with too many draws blighting the club’s league progress. City showed real fighting spirit in the second half against Sunderland and Adam Johnson’s late equaliser ensured they remain the most-difficult-to-beat team in the top flight. With only two wins in their last six league games though, City need to start punishing opponents if they are to claim that all-important last Champions League qualifying place.

Rotation Risk

With such a bloated first team squad, Mancini is spoilt for choice in practically every position. The likes of Wright-Phillips, Richards and Bridge were all subbed on Sunday, whilst Toure and Ireland failed to see game time at all. Adam Johnson performed brilliantly to get a goal and all three Fantasy Premier League (FPL) bonus points, particularly as he was only introduced to the proceedings as a 71st minute sub.

Potential Targets

Formation-wise, Mancini’s favoured three defensive central midfielders, a throwback to his time at Inter, is hardly appetising for fantasy managers. With the top scoring City defender Kolo Toure on just 65 points, the defence doesn’t look particularly appealing either.

Shay Given And Javier Garrido
A nailed-on cert to play both games; Given hasn’t missed a single minute of league action this season for City, and is perhaps the only player worth considering if you’re looking at City defensively. Although with Wayne Bridge sidelined for a month following his hernia operation, Mancini may now turn to Javier Garrido to take up the left-back role. At just 4.1 in the FPL, the Spaniard would therefore represent a very cheap route for those looking for a defensive investment for the double. While City’s defence is far from reliable, Garrido does offer some attacking point potential. He’s more than useful when it comes to a dead-ball. The only caveat is that Mancini does have options at left-back. Sylvinho is an alternative and Mancini could also opt to shift Gareth Barry to make way for the return of Vieira in midfield.
Predicted Return: 8 saves

Adam Johnson
If his weekend supersub performance didn’t convince Mancini of starting him this upcoming week, nothing will. Johnson has only one full league appearance for City to his name, but has shown he needs little time to make an impact. With seven bonus points in just six games, he is already the second-highest bonus scoring City midfielder, just one behind Gareth Barry.
Predicted Return: 1 assist, 2 Bonus Points

Carlos Tevez
The club’s main man this season, and with Adebayor still out banned, is likelier to be amongst the goals. Tevez is on penalties and gets his fair share of direct free kicks, too. He is also a real bonus point magnet, second only to Wayne Rooney for striker bonus this season. In the seven league games he’s played in 2010, Tevez has an impressive return of six goals and eight Bonus Points.
Predicted Return: 2 goals, 3 Bonus Points

Craig Bellamy
The recent Chelsea game showed how good Bellamy can be on his day, and his dedication to the City cause this season has been unwavering, despite rumours of a rift with the new gaffer. Has worked well in tandem with Tevez, and another all action performance or two should help boost the FPL tally.
Predicted Return: 1 assist