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Manchester City-Fulham Preview: A Familiar Opponent

By J.C. Gonzalez

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 30: Neeskens Kebano of Fulham is challenged by Kyle Walker of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Manchester City at Craven Cottage on March 30, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 30: Neeskens Kebano of Fulham is challenged by Kyle Walker of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Manchester City at Craven Cottage on March 30, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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Manchester City continue their FA Cup defense in the Fourth Round against a familiar face: Fulham, relegated from last season’s Premier League.

Manchester City have won 10 of their last 12 matches in all competitions as they face Championship side Fulham in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.

The West London club have responded well to their relegation last season, currently sitting in third in the Championship and knocking on the doorstep of top sides Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion. Fulham are just four points off the top, but will be missing top scorer Aleksandar Mitrović for this tie at the Etihad, while Pep Guardiola will have the luxury of a relatively full squad.

Fulham have lost their last eight matches against City, including a 3-0 loss at the Etihad and a 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage in last season’s Premier League. To get into this Fourth Round matchup, Fulham managed a 2-1 win over Aston Villa, while City comfortably took care of Port Vale.

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The Blues will be heavily favored to once again put one over the West Londoners at home, and with Ben Mendy and John Stones both available once again after missing the Sheffield United match, both could feature here. In addition, there is another opportunity for star center-back Aymeric Laporte to get some action as he returns to fitness, although proceeding cautiously with his recovery from a long-term knee injury is the most prudent route.

Although winning the FA Cup for the second straight season may not be City’s top priority, a deep run in the tournament would be a fantastic compliment to any achievements in the Champions League this season, and the journey to do so continues on Sunday.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Fulham