Manchester City welcome Fulham to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, looking to capitalise on the momentum of their dramatic weekend victory over Liverpool.
The Blues breathed fresh life into the Premier League title race on Sunday, coming from behind at Anfield to secure a 2-1 win thanks to late goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland.
The result moved Pep Guardiola’s side within six points of leaders Arsenal, with the opportunity to slash that gap to just three points before the Gunners face Brentford on Thursday.
City enter the clash with a formidable record against the Cottagers, having won their last 19 meetings in all competitions, the longest such winning streak in English football history. However, Guardiola will be wary of a Fulham side that pushed them to the limit in a nine-goal thriller at Craven Cottage back in December.
The hosts have been handed a significant boost in defence with the news that Abdukodir Khusanov is available after being forced off with a head injury at Anfield. Guardiola confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the 21-year-old is ‘good’ and ready to feature.
John Stones is also ‘back’ and ‘fit’ according to the City boss, though the England international may be eased back into action following a lengthy thigh injury. The Blues remain without long-term absentees Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, while wingers Jeremy Doku and Savinho are nearing returns but are not expected to be involved tonight.
Fulham arrive in Manchester sitting 10th in the table, looking to snap a run of inconsistent form that has seen them lose three of their last five matches.
Marco Silva, who is still searching for his first career point against Pep Guardiola after 13 attempts, is without full-back Timothy Castagne and midfielders Tom Cairney and Sasa Lukic.
Ahead of Wednesday’s 19:30 UK kick-off at the Etihad Stadium, here are the confirmed line-ups from both dressing rooms.
Manchester City
Starting XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Ait-Nouri, Rodri, O’Reilly, Bernardo (C); Foden, Haaland, Semenyo.
Substitutes: Trafford, Lewis, Alleyne, Stones, Khusanov, Nico, Reijnders, Cherki, Marmoush.
Fulham
Starting XI: Leno; Tete, Andersen (C), Bassey, Sessegnon; Berge, Iwobi, Smith Rowe; Wilson, Jimenez, Chukwueze.
Substitutes: Lecomte, Castagne, Cuenca, Robinson, Reed, King, Kevin, Bobb, Muniz.
