Guardiola wary of Fulham's speedy weapons

Last season's English Premier League title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal find themselves playing catch-up to Liverpool in this early part of the campaign, but are expected to push the Reds all the way.

With six games played, Arne Slot's Reds are top of the standings on 15 points - ahead of City and Arsenal, who both have 14 - and travel to Crystal Palace in the early kick-off on Oct 5.

A victory would mean that Liverpool would go four points clear before City host Fulham and Arsenal welcome Southampton in the later matches.

City manager Pep Guardiola knows that his reigning champions cannot afford another slip-up, after being held to their second straight Premier League draw by Newcastle United (1-1) last weekend.

They are expected to win this game fairly easily, as they have beaten Fulham in their last 16 encounters in all competitions. If they avoid defeat, they would also extend their impressive unbeaten home record to 50 games.

But Guardiola is wary of any opponent, as usual.