Unchanged Lineup for City’s Clash with Fulham
Pep Guardiola has decided to field the same line-up that secured a 3-2 victory over Leeds United at the weekend, as City heads to Craven Cottage for their Premier League match against Fulham. The decision to maintain the same eleven players is a testament to the team’s recent form and the manager’s confidence in their capabilities. Another win this evening would close the gap on league leaders Arsenal to just two points, with the Gunners not in action until tomorrow. However, City will have to do without Rodri and Mateo Kovacic, who are both sidelined due to injuries.
The Starting XI
Gianluigi Donnarumma will continue in goal, a familiar and reliable presence for the Blues. The Italian goalkeeper will be protected by a formidable back four comprising Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Nico O’Reilly. Nico, who has been impressing in his role as a holding midfielder, will be joined in the midfield by captain Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders, providing a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. Up front, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, and Phil Foden will form the attacking trident, with Haaland serving as the focal point and Doku and Foden offering dynamic support. Given Pep’s tactical flexibility, the positions could shift during the game, but the core lineup remains strong and coherent.
Dominance Over Fulham
City heads into this match with a remarkable record against Fulham. They have won the last 18 encounters in all competitions, a streak that stands as the longest losing run one side has had against another in English football history. This dominant run is a reflection of City’s superiority and the challenges Fulham faces. The pressure is on Fulham to break this trend, but City will be aiming to extend this impressive statistic and further solidify their position in the league.
Erling Haaland: One Goal Away from a Milestone
Erling Haaland is just one goal away from reaching 100 Premier League goals for City, a remarkable achievement in what has already been a meteoric career. The Norwegian has gone three games without scoring, which is unusual for him, but this has only heightened his motivation to break his goal drought. Haaland has already netted 32 times this season for club and country, and his overall record with City stands at an astounding 143 goals in 164 matches. With his recent form and the team’s strong support, there’s a strong chance he will reach this milestone tonight, further cementing his status as one of the best strikers in the world.
Key Stats and Trends
City has a strong record in evening matches, having won 13 of their last 14 Premier League games that started at 7 PM or later. The only exception in this run was a 2-2 draw at Brentford in January, with their last evening defeat coming at Aston Villa in December 2023. Fulham, on the other hand, has been performing well at home, winning four of their last five Premier League matches. However, their only defeat in this run was against league leaders Arsenal. Fulham will be hoping to secure their first back-to-back home wins since December 2023, and they will be particularly keen to maintain their impressive home form.
Matchday Coverage
For those following the action, City’s official app provides comprehensive coverage of the match. Minute-by-minute text updates will start in the Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, and the Matchday Live show will begin at around 6:10 PM (UK). Natalie Pike will be joined by Kit Symons and Andy Morrison in the studio, with FG and Michael Brown offering expert insights from the ground at Craven Cottage. During the game, fans can listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann and Michael Brown, and the app will provide continuous text commentary. Push notifications can be turned on to stay updated on key moments, including goals, red cards, and the team news. After the match, a quick-hit 2-minute highlights package will be available from midnight (UK), and a free 8-minute edit will also be accessible. Subscribers to CITY+ can enjoy a full match replay and an extended highlights reel showing the best 20 minutes of action from the game.
