Fulham vs Manchester City: Team News, H2H, Predicted lineup and Match Preview
Fulham will host Manchester City at Craven Cottage on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 11:30 UTC for Round 37 of the Premier League.
Fulham Form
Fulham has had a middling season performance, currently occupying 13th place in the league table with 44 points from 36 games, having won just 12 matches so far. They head into the upcoming home match against Manchester City after a scoreless draw against Brentford. Following their 3-1 loss to Liverpool at Craven Cottage, they are once again preparing to play at home against the formidable opponents City, which poses a significant challenge considering their recent form.
Manchester City Form
Manchester City, reigning champions of the Premier League, enter the Fulham match buoyed by a dominant 5-1 win over Wolves in their previous outing. They are primed to defend their title once more, trailing league leaders Arsenal by just one point with a game in hand. A victory against Fulham would propel them to the top of the table, solidifying their status as favorites for a fourth consecutive Premier League crown.
The Cityzens are in exceptional form, winning their last six league matches and remaining unbeaten in their last 20 outings. Since their narrow 1-0 loss at Villa Park, Guardiola's squad has bounced back emphatically, finding their stride and reclaiming their position at the forefront of English football. Following Fulham, only Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United stand between them and the trophy. With Arsenal hot on their heels, City are expected to approach the Craven Cottage clash with full force, aiming for another commanding victory.
Even if City secure a victory at Fulham, it won't secure them the league title as they'll only reach the top by overtaking the Gunners. This sets the stage for a showdown between Mikel Arteta and Guardiola in the season's final match week. With City's championship aspirations hanging in the balance, all attention will be focused on Saturday's match against Fulham.
Head to Head
In their history of encounters across all competitions, the two English clubs have met 35 times. Manchester City has claimed victory in 22 of these matches, while Fulham has managed only 4 wins, with the remaining four ending in draws. In their most recent clash, City dominated with a 5-1 win over the Cottagers.
Recent Head-to-Head Results
. Man City 5-1 Fulham (2023, Premier League)
. Fulham 1-2 Man City (2023, Premier League)
. Man City 2-1 Fulham (2023, Premier League)
. Man City 4-1 Fulham (2022, FA Cup)
. Fulham 0-3 Man City (2021, Premier League)
Team News
Fulham
Fulham manager Marco Silva will have the advantage of having his entire squad available for selection, as there are no significant injury concerns reported. The only absence for the match against City at Craven Cottage will be Harrison James Reed, who is sidelined with an ankle injury sustained during a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace last month.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola will enjoy the benefit of having a fully fit squad for the upcoming Fulham match. This is particularly advantageous for the Spanish coach as it comes during the crucial stage of the season when his team typically performs consistently. The return to form of Erling Haaland has been a source of joy for the team, considering his recent goal-scoring spree after a period of struggle. Having scored five goals in his last two appearances, Haaland's resurgence has been pivotal. Guardiola is likely to stick with the same starting lineup that secured a 5-1 win against Wolves last weekend. However, there is a chance that Jack Grealish could be preferred over Phil Foden on the left wing, while Ruben Dias might reclaim his spot in defense.
Predicted Lineup
Fulham possible lineup:
B. Leno; Castagne, I. Diop, Bassey, A. Robinson, Palhinha, Lukic, Willian, Pereira, Traore, Raul Jimenez
Manchester City possible lineup:
Ederson; Akanji, Ruben Dias, Walker, Gvardiol, Rodri, Kovacic, De Bruyne, B. Silva, Grealish, Haaland
Fulham vs Manchester City Prediction:
As Fulham gears up for their home clash against Manchester City, manager Silva suggests his team will put forth a formidable effort. While the Cottagers aim to disrupt City’s march towards the Premier League title, Arsenal also watches closely, hoping for a stumble from their rivals. Yet, Fulham's recent draws may have subdued their spirits ahead of facing the dominant City. Guardiola’s side, focused on clinching the Premier League title after their Champions League exit, could claim the top spot with a win at Craven Cottage. With both the league title and FA Cup in sight, City shows no signs of dropping points. Despite City's previous 5-1 victory over Fulham, a spirited fight from the hosts could challenge expectations, though a draw remains a possibility. Prediction: Fulham 1-4 Manchester City