7M - Match Preview: Manchester City vs Fulham – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Fresh from a dramatic victory at Anfield, Manchester City aim to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal when they host Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

This meeting comes just over two months after a thrilling nine-goal encounter at Craven Cottage, which City edged 5-4.

Match Preview

Manchester City appeared destined to fall nine points behind Arsenal in the title race, trailing Liverpool with just 10 minutes remaining at Anfield. However, Pep Guardiola's side showcased their champion's resolve to snatch a crucial 2-1 comeback win at a ground where they had only won once in their previous 10 visits under the Catalan manager.

Bernardo Silva's 84th-minute equalizer set the stage for Erling Haaland's 93rd-minute penalty winner, reducing the deficit to the summit to six points. A victory against Fulham would cut that gap to just three points before Arsenal face Brentford on Thursday.

City will be glad to return to the Etihad, where they have taken 44 points from a possible 51 in their last 17 Premier League home matches (W14, D2, L1) and are unbeaten in their last 11 (W9, D2). They should be confident, boasting an astonishing record of 19 consecutive wins against Fulham across all competitions and 16 straight Premier League victories over the Cottagers – both the longest such streaks in English football league history. Furthermore, City are unbeaten in their last 55 midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Premier League home games since a 1-0 loss to Tottenham in May 2010.

Fulham, meanwhile, are among a group of teams chasing European qualification but have suffered three defeats in their last four games, hampering their push for a top-seven finish. After beating Brighton 2-1 and suffering narrow losses to Leeds and Manchester United, they let a lead slip late on to lose 2-1 to Everton last weekend. That result, sealed by a Bernd Leno own goal, marked their 11th league defeat of the season. Manager Marco Silva criticized his team's lack of cutting edge and second-half drop-off. They now sit 10th, four points off seventh place.

Securing a positive result at the Etihad is a daunting task. Fulham have won only three of their 44 Premier League away matches against sides starting the day in the top three (D9, L32). Silva has personally lost all 13 of his top-flight meetings with Manchester City – the worst 100% losing record for any manager against a single opponent. Fulham have also lost their last eight league visits to Manchester City by an aggregate score of 25-4, though three of their four all-time Premier League wins over City have come at the Etihad.

Team News

Manchester City remain without Jeremy Doku (calf), Savinho, John Stones (fitness), Joško Gvardiol (tibia), and Mateo Kovačić (ankle/heel). Abdukodir Khusanov will be assessed after being substituted with a concussion against Liverpool. If fit, he could partner Marc Guéhi in central defense, though Ruben Dias is also an option after returning from injury as a substitute last time out.

Erling Haaland, with 10 goal involvements in seven Premier League appearances against Fulham (7 goals, 3 assists), is set to lead the line. He could be supported by Antoine Semenyo, who has been involved in five goals in his last three league games against Fulham. Manager Pep Guardiola may consider recalling Rayan Cherki or Phil Foden, the latter having scored twice in the reverse fixture.

For Fulham, Saša Lukić (thigh) remains out, and captain Tom Cairney (calf) is still unavailable. Silva could make defensive changes, with Kenny Tete, Calvin Bassey, and Antonee Robinson pushing for starts. January signing Oscar Bobb, a £27m arrival from Manchester City, made his debut off the bench last time out and could challenge for a starting role.

Prediction

If the reverse fixture is any indicator, another entertaining, attack-minded contest is likely. However, considering Manchester City's formidable record against Fulham, their strong home form, and Fulham's recent dip, a home victory is the clear expectation. Both teams are likely to find the net.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Fulham