Pep Guardiola issues warning to players about 'dangerous' Fulham star

Pep Guardiola has highlighted the danger of one particular Fulham player.

Manchester City can move to the top of the Premier League table with a victory over Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues have an imperious recent record against the Cottagers, with an unbeaten run spanning over 10 years.

City have won each of their past 12 matches against Fulham, although the London side have enjoyed a successful start to the campaign.

After achieving promotion last season, Marco Silva's side sit 7th in the Premier League table and are currently unbeaten in their past four matches.

Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic has been integral to the Whites' early success, with the Serbian having netted on nine occasions so far this season.

Mitrovic is the third highest goalscorer in the division, with only Harry Kane and Erling Haaland having scored more goals.

Ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Fulham at the Etihad Stadium, City boss Pep Guardiola highlighted the danger that striker poses.

"The players know, played them in the past," said the Catalan.

"Long balls to Mitrovic there's a big guarantee we'll lose the ball. Prepare for the second one. Dangerous player, how many goals he score last season. He's scoring goals, natural, a competitor. Pushes defenders to limits and he's clinical."

Riyad Mahrez scored twice when Fulham visited the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup last season, with the Sky Blues coming from behind to win 4-1 in February.

Despite City's convincing record against Saturday's opposition, Guardiola revealed that he wasn’t surprised by Fulham's form.

"Not surprised at all, see what they did in Championship and transfer market, manager is exceptional.

"They have a good process in behind. Under pressure can use long balls to Mitrovic, or second balls for them.

"A top, good team, no surprise. Drew against Liverpool and continued that way."

Saturday’s fixture is the Blues' penultimate Premier League game before the World Cup pause.

Star striker Erling Haaland could return from injury, having missed victories against both Leicester City and Sevilla.

Manuel Akanji could also be available for selection, however both Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker remain sidelined.