An improving Fulham side return to Craven Cottage full of belief after shocking Tottenham Hotspur 1–2 away from home at the weekend their first Premier League away win of the season and arguably their most impressive performance yet, Softfootball reports.
Two early goals set the tone in North London, sealing a result that lifted Marco Silva’s men six points clear of the relegation zone. With three wins from their last four league matches, Fulham appear to have turned the corner after a difficult start, and confidence is finally flowing. Even when their form was patchy, their home record remained strong only leaders Arsenal have beaten them at Craven Cottage in any competition this season.
Now back on home turf, Fulham have won each of their last two Premier League fixtures here without conceding, and another clean-sheet victory would give them three successive top-flight home wins to nil for the first time since February 2011.
Their defensive shape has tightened, their pressing is sharper, and the return to form of players like Harry Wilson has added an attacking edge. Yet, even in their best moments, Manchester City represent a level of challenge they haven’t overcome in more than a decade.
Manchester City arrive in West London after surviving a late scare in their 3–2 win against Leeds, a match in which they raced into a 2–0 lead before being pegged back, only to snatch a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
The performance summed up City’s recent struggles, flashes of brilliance mixed with lapses in concentration. Guardiola’s men had lost their two matches prior to the Leeds game, and with a widening gap to leaders Arsenal, improvement is urgently needed if they are to keep their title ambitions alive.
Yet the cityzens typically thrive under the lights. City have won 13 of their last 14 Premier League matches kicking off at 7pm or later, and London has often been a welcoming destination they’ve been beaten on just one of their last 14 top-flight visits to capital clubs. Their attacking firepower remains immense, especially with Phil Foden in electric form, and despite their recent wobble, City will view this fixture as a crucial opportunity to regain rhythm and consistency.
Team News
Fulham remain without Antonee Robinson and Rodrigo Muniz, reducing Marco Silva’s defensive depth. Harry Wilson, who scored after only six minutes against Spurs, continues to be a key creative outlet, although history suggests his impact often arrives late in games, as eight of his nine Fulham goals before Saturday came after the hour mark.
Fulham manager Marco Silva who celebrated his 200th win against Tottenham last weekend talked to the press about what he expects from his players tomorrow as the take on Manchester city, the club posted his reactions via its official X handle. Watch video below
Manchester City continue to anxiously await the return of Rodri, whose presence in midfield remains irreplaceable. Phil Foden, fresh off a brace against Leeds, is expected to start again notable for scoring inside the opening 25 minutes in all four of his scoring appearances this season. Guardiola is unlikely to make wholesale changes as City chase momentum.
Possible Lineups
Fulham lineup:
Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Iwobi, Berge; Wilson, King, Chukwueze; Jimenez
Manchester City lineup:
Donnarumma; Nunes, Gvardiol, Dias, O’Reilly; Silva, Gonzalez, Cherki; Doku, Haaland, Foden
Ahead of the game tomorrow, Manchester city shared via its official X handle, highlights of Phil foden winner against Leeds, a moment of magic from the English man, City faithfuls will be hoping they can replicate this against Fulham. They posted:
SoftFootball Prediction
Fulham’s resurgence, recent defensive solidity at home, and their stunning 1–2 victory away at Spurs make them far more dangerous than their early-season form suggested. Craven Cottage has been a tough ground for visitors this season, and the Cottagers’ new-found belief could push City harder than expected.
But history matters and Manchester City have beaten Fulham 18 times in a row, the longest such run between two English clubs. Combine that with their strong record in evening fixtures and improved attacking fluency against Leeds, and Guardiola’s side should have enough to edge this encounter, even if the Cottagers make them work for it.
Prediction: Fulham 1–3 Manchester City
