City has beaten Fulham in their last 17 matches across all competitions.
Image credit: Manchester City
Manchester City is getting ready for their final Premier League game of the season.
On Sunday, they’ll travel to Craven Cottage to play against Fulham.
A win in this match could help City qualify for the Champions League.
Manchester City won 3-2 the last time they played Fulham back in October. Now, they hope to win again and end the season on a high note.
City Bouncing Back
Just days after losing the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace, City came back strong by beating Bournemouth 3-1 at home.
That win helped them move up to third place in the Premier League table.
Kevin De Bruyne, playing his last home match for City, was celebrated by fans even though he missed a big chance to score.
Goals from Omar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva, and Nico Gonzalez helped City get the important win.
If they beat Fulham on Sunday, City will finish third.
There’s a tiny chance they could finish second if Arsenal loses to Southampton and City makes up a nine-goal difference—but that’s very unlikely.
Even a draw could be enough to stay in the top five, but a loss might push them down to sixth and into the Europa League instead of the Champions League.
City has been in great form, going nine games without losing.
They’ve also beaten Fulham in their last 17 matches across all competitions, including a 4-0 win at Craven Cottage last season.
That’s the longest winning streak one English team has ever had over another.
Fulham’s Recent Form
Fulham had hopes of making it into European competition but lost six of their last 10 games, which ended their chances.
Still, they recently beat local rivals Brentford 3-2, with goals from Raul Jimenez, Harry Wilson, and Tom Cairney.
That win helped Fulham earn their highest-ever points total in a Premier League season—54 points.
Even though they can’t finish in the top seven, Fulham still wants to end the season on a high by beating Manchester City.
They’re currently in 10th place and could move up to ninth if they win. But they could also drop to 12th if they lose and other teams win.
Fulham hasn’t had much success against City. They haven’t beaten them since 2009 and have lost the last 14 times in a row.
Recent Form
Fulham Premier League form:
Loss, Loss, Win, Loss, Loss, Win
Manchester City Premier League form:
Win, Win, Win, Win, Draw, Win
Manchester City all competitions:
Win, Win, Win, Draw, Loss, Win
Team News
Fulham
Defender Timothy Castagne had ankle surgery and won’t play.
Also out are Rodrigo Muniz, Harrison Reed (both with calf injuries), and Reiss Nelson (thigh).
Captain Tom Cairney might be playing his final game for Fulham. He could start in place of Emile Smith Rowe in midfield.
Harry Wilson might also return to the starting lineup. Raul Jimenez is expected to start up front.
All 12 of his goals this season either gave Fulham the lead or tied the game.
Manchester City
Mateo Kovacic is suspended after getting a red card against Bournemouth.
John Stones is still injured. Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb are available again.
Rodri, who missed eight months with a serious knee injury, came on as a sub in the last match and is available but won’t start.
Nico Gonzalez or Bernardo Silva might play in midfield with Ilkay Gundogan. Kevin De Bruyne is expected to captain the team in his final game for City.
If Bernardo plays in midfield, either Phil Foden (recovering from an ankle issue), Savinho, or Jeremy Doku might start on the right wing.
Predicted Lineups
Fulham:
Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Wilson, Cairney, Iwobi; Jimenez
Manchester City:
Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Bernardo, Gundogan; Savinho, De Bruyne, Marmoush; Haaland
Score Prediction
Fulham 1-3 Manchester City
Since Fulham isn’t chasing European qualification anymore, it gives City an advantage.
But Fulham still might put up a fight.
City has won their last match of the season in 9 of the past 11 years. With a strong record against Fulham, City is the clear favorite.
