Manchester City will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Fulham at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League this weekend. The reigning champions have found themselves in an unusual position after two consecutive league draws, and this fixture marks their last opportunity to set things right before the upcoming international break.
Despite their recent stumbles, City boast an impressive record against Fulham, having won their last 16 encounters with the London club. This dominant streak certainly favors the home side, but the absence of key players like Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Nathan Ake will present a challenge for Pep Guardiola’s squad as they look to secure a much-needed victory.
City’s Squad Concerns
The absence of Rodri in particular has left a significant hole in City’s midfield. Rodri has been a vital cog in Guardiola’s system, providing defensive stability and precise distribution from the base of midfield. His unavailability due to injury is a major blow for City, especially as they seek to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne, who has been sidelined with a longer-term injury, is another huge miss for City. De Bruyne’s creativity and vision have been instrumental to City’s attacking play, and his absence has forced Guardiola to tweak his approach in the attacking third.
Defensively, Nathan Ake is also unavailable, leaving City a little light at the back. Ake has been a reliable option for Guardiola, providing versatility and physicality in defense. His injury has meant that players like Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias have had to step up and carry the burden in central defense. Luckily for City, both Akanji and Dias have the quality to cope with these responsibilities, but the injury list is certainly something Guardiola will be cautious about as the season progresses.
Predicted Lineup
Despite the injuries, City still have a wealth of talent to choose from, and Guardiola will have plenty of options as he puts together a team to face Fulham. Here’s a predicted lineup for the match, using a 4-2-3-1 formation that has become a familiar setup for City this season.
Goalkeeper: Ederson
Ederson is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested midweek in the Champions League. While backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega started in City’s comfortable 4-0 victory in Slovakia, Ederson remains Guardiola’s first choice between the posts for Premier League matches. The Brazilian shot-stopper will be hoping for a quieter afternoon compared to recent weeks, where City’s defense has looked more vulnerable than usual.
Right-back: Kyle Walker
Walker is likely to take his place at right-back, continuing to provide leadership and stability in City’s backline. The 34-year-old has been managed carefully by Guardiola this season, as his minutes are being limited to keep him fresh. However, Walker remains a crucial part of City’s defense, especially in big games. His experience and pace will be important in dealing with Fulham’s counter-attacks, and his defensive awareness will allow him to support City’s younger players.
Centre-back: Manuel Akanji
With Nathan Ake sidelined, Akanji is expected to start alongside Ruben Dias in central defense. Akanji played in City’s midweek Champions League fixture, though he was substituted after an hour in order to keep him fresh for the Premier League clash. The Swiss defender has been solid since joining City, and his calmness on the ball and ability to read the game will be key against a Fulham side that will look to exploit any defensive lapses.
Centre-back: Ruben Dias
Ruben Dias is expected to partner Akanji at the heart of City’s defense. Dias is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Guardiola, given his leadership and defensive solidity. While John Stones played the full 90 minutes midweek, it’s likely that he will be rested for this match, leaving Dias to marshal the defense against Fulham’s attacking threat. Dias will be tasked with dealing with Fulham’s forward Raul Jimenez, who has shown glimpses of his old form this season.
Left-back: Josko Gvardiol
At left-back, Josko Gvardiol is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup. The Croatian defender has settled in well at City since his summer arrival and offers a unique blend of defensive steel and attacking flair. Gvardiol’s versatility allows him to move into more advanced positions, particularly when Kyle Walker tucks in to form a back three in possession. His ability to contribute in both attack and defense has made him a key player for Guardiola, and his well-taken goal against Newcastle last weekend highlights his threat from set pieces.
Defensive midfield: Rico Lewis
With Rodri unavailable, Guardiola has had to be creative in finding a solution in midfield. Rico Lewis could be the one to fill the void left by Rodri. Though only 19, Lewis has already shown maturity beyond his years, and Guardiola has praised his tactical intelligence and ability to play in multiple positions. While he lacks the physical presence of Rodri, Lewis can provide energy and technical quality in the midfield, helping City control the game and break down Fulham’s attacks. He will need to be disciplined and positionally aware, as Fulham will likely try to exploit any spaces in midfield.
Defensive midfield: Mateo Kovacic
Kovacic is expected to partner Lewis in the midfield pivot, taking on a more defensive role in Rodri’s absence. The Croatian midfielder has been an important signing for City this season, adding depth and quality to their midfield. Kovacic’s ability to win the ball and distribute it efficiently will be crucial in maintaining City’s dominance in possession. His defensive responsibilities will increase against Fulham, and he will need to be sharp in cutting off passing lanes and stopping Fulham’s transitions.
Right-wing: Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva is likely to be deployed on the right wing, providing both creativity and defensive work rate. Silva was rested during City’s midweek Champions League fixture, suggesting that Guardiola is keeping him fresh for the Premier League clash. Silva’s versatility means he can drift inside and combine with City’s central players, allowing Kyle Walker to overlap down the right flank. His energy and technical ability will be key in unlocking Fulham’s defense, and he will also be tasked with helping out defensively when City are out of possession.
Attacking midfield: Phil Foden
Phil Foden is expected to start in the attacking midfield role, just behind the striker. After struggling with illness earlier in the season, Foden returned to form midweek, scoring in City’s Champions League win. The England international is one of City’s most gifted players and offers a blend of creativity, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability. In the absence of De Bruyne, Foden will have more responsibility in orchestrating City’s attacks, and his movement between the lines will be crucial in breaking down Fulham’s defense.
Left-wing: Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish has had a strong start to the season after a difficult 2023/24 campaign, and he is expected to start on the left wing against Fulham. Grealish’s ability to carry the ball and draw fouls makes him a key asset for City in breaking down deep-lying defenses. He has looked reinvigorated this season and will be looking to add to his tally of assists and goals. Grealish’s combination play with Foden and Gvardiol on the left side will be something to watch, as City look to create overloads and stretch Fulham’s defense.
Striker: Erling Haaland
Leading the line for City will be none other than Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker has been in sensational form again this season, already bagging two hat-tricks in the Premier League. Haaland’s physicality, pace, and finishing ability make him one of the most feared strikers in world football, and Fulham will have their hands full trying to contain him. In this fixture last season, Haaland scored a hat-trick at the Etihad, and he will be confident of repeating the feat against a Fulham defense that has struggled to keep clean sheets.
Tactical Approach
City are expected to dominate possession, as is typical under Guardiola. Without Rodri and De Bruyne, the responsibility will fall on players like Kovacic, Lewis, and Foden to control the game and dictate the tempo. Fulham are likely to sit deep and try to hit City on the counter, so patience and precision will be key for the home side. City’s wide players, Silva and Grealish, will be tasked with stretching the pitch and providing service for Haaland, while Foden will look to exploit the spaces in and around Fulham’s defensive lines.
In defense, City will need to be wary of Fulham’s counter-attacking threat. With Raul Jimenez leading the line for Fulham, City’s center-backs, Akanji and Dias, will need to be alert and ready to snuff out any danger. Gvardiol and Walker will also have important roles to play in transitioning quickly from defense to attack.
Conclusion
Manchester City will go into this match as heavy favorites, despite the absence of key players. With a dominant record against Fulham and the home crowd behind them, City will be confident of securing all three points. However, they cannot afford to be complacent, especially given Ful
