Fulham entertain Pep Guardiola’sManchester City**** at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night. a meeting with huge significance for both sides at this stage for different reasons.
Both sides come into this clash on the back of victories, but in very contrasting circumstances.
Fulham were victorious over Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur away from home, claiming their first maximum away from Craven Cottage. They showed grit to their game as Spurs probed but a resolute backline threw their bodies on the line as they defended a lead they held for more than eighty minutes.
Manchester City scraped past Leeds United at the Etihad in an underwhelming display by Pep Guardiola’s side. Two to the good and cruising, City allowed Leeds, in a fight of their own to remain in the division, to claw it back to level proceedings before Phil Foden presented them a get out of jail card with a last minute. Unconvincing, but nevertheless an important three points with all factors considered.
The Cottagers, despite their impressive victory away at Spurs on Saturday night, are still perilously close to the bottom three, so a consistent run of form which started on Saturday and would continue on Tuesday would boost Fulham ever so more.
City, on the other hand, have started to slide in both the Premier League and Champions League, highlighting the need for Guardiola to address their inconsistencies as the half-way point of the season arrives and all remains to play for. The positive thing for the Citizens is Arsenal have drawn two of their last three games, so the gap from top spot is five points and in no way insurmountable.
As the game ebbs ever important for both sides, expect a cautious approach for Fulham as Manchester City will be expected to dominate possession in order to break their counterparts down. A side that goes for the kill against City can entail their weaknesses as shown time after time this season.
With a vibrant atmosphere expected in a brisk cold in the capital, Fulham will look to lean on their crowd to sustain their energy, and City will look to silence Craven Cottage into a state of tranquility as they’ll rely on commanding possession and manipulate rhythm. It’s a ground that City have a good record at, but Guardiola will know that Fulham are a side who are awkward for sides who allow the tempo to drift.
Fulham
The hosts will be without ever present left-back Antonee Robinson for this clash, as he has been plagued by a knee injury that has seen him out since September. It’s a void that Ryan Sessegnon has filled with ease.
Rodrigo Muniz will likely be absent as well as he nurses a hamstring injury. The Cottagers talismanic forward played a key part of their early season points before he picked up his injury, which has seemingly derailed Fulham’s season thus far.
Manchester City
Since his cruel ACL injury last season after his remarkable Ballan D’or winning campaign, Rodri has become a sick note for City consistently, with the Spaniard missing tommorow’s clash.
City are also without Mateo Kovačić in their ranks as he recovers from an injury to his heel, leaving Guardiola with a prematurely depleted midfield.
Predicted Line-Ups
Fulham: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Iwobi, Berge; Wilson, King, Kevin; Jimenez.
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Silva, Gonzales, Reijnders; Doku, Haaland, Foden.
Player to Watch
Harry Wilson (Fulham)
Harry Wilson is a key figurehead for Fulham and sparks attacking threat throughout.
The Welshmen is dynamic and creative, leaving no dilemma for Marco Silva to pick him. A blend of sharp ball carrying, an incisive left-foot and the capacity to decide games with moments of individual brilliance shaped Fulham better going forward, far more than anyone else in their side.
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Two goals in his last match to earn City a maximum in a game they scarcely imposed themselves in, Foden’s presence will be crucial for City.
Foden is a player who can take the game by the scuff of the neck if needed and has revolutionised himself into City’s ranks as a first on the team sheet. A deep block defence is what you’d expect Fulham to set up with, a player with Foden’s footballing intelligence can break it down.
Match Details
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Craven Cottage, London
Date & Kick-off: Tuesday, December 2nd, 7:30pm