Cherki and Dias Return! Man City's Explosive Lineup Revealed for Fulham Clash—Latest Injury Updates Inside
Manchester City's dramatic comeback victory against Liverpool may have breathed new life into the Premier League title chase, but they must quickly turn their attention to a crucial midweek encounter with Fulham.
The eight-time Premier League champions emerged victorious from a chaotic finish at Anfield on Sunday, reducing their deficit to league leaders Arsenal to six points. A triumph against Fulham in midweek would narrow that gap to merely three points, although the Gunners have the opportunity to restore their lead 24 hours later when they face Brentford.
Pep Guardiola boasts a perfect record in all 14 encounters against Fulham and another victory is anticipated to intensify the pressure on Arsenal. However, the wild 5–4 triumph at Craven Cottage in December demonstrates that complacency could prove costly.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
John Stones has made his way back to first-team training for City following an extended spell on the sidelines but remains doubtful for the Fulham fixture as he continues building match fitness. Fellow defender Joško Gvardiol is also ruled out and Abdukodir Khusanov may be absent after sustaining a head knock during the Liverpool encounter.
Guardiola faces challenges in the attacking flanks as well. Jérémy Doku and Savinho will both remain unavailable for Fulham's arrival, though the former is expected to return shortly.
Mateo Kovačić continues his absence from the midfield having featured in only two matches this season.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Fulham (4-1-4-1)
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Fulham (4-1-4-1)
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma—The Italian delivered a series of crucial interventions and one outstanding late stop to secure City's 2–1 triumph over Liverpool at the weekend. Such spectacular saves have become his trademark.
RB: Matheus Nunes—Nunes earned City's decisive penalty at Anfield following a dynamic run into the penalty area and proved a persistent threat to the Reds with his dribbling skills, cutting inside and evading pressure.
CB: Rúben Dias—Dias entered as a substitute for Khusanov at Anfield, signaling his return from injury. City's defensive stability noticeably improves when the Portuguese defender is present.
CB: Marc Guéhi—Guéhi has made an immediate impression since his arrival from Crystal Palace and now has the opportunity to forge a strong defensive partnership with Dias.
LB: Nico O'Reilly—O'Reilly operated in midfield against Liverpool but may return to his left-back role for Fulham's visit. He'll need to be mindful of the visitors' primary attacking weapon; Harry Wilson.
DM: Rodri—Guardiola will make minor adjustments against Fulham but save major rotation for the weekend's FA Cup match against Salford City. Rodri should retain his position before getting a breather on Saturday.
RM: Rayan Cherki—The French midfielder made a significant contribution off the bench at Anfield and has secured a spot in the starting eleven. Guardiola's team appears far more inventive with Cherki on the pitch.
CM: Bernardo Silva—Silva, true to form, delivered when it mattered most on Sunday's grand stage. Remarkably, his strike at Anfield marked his maiden league goal this campaign.
CM: Tijjani Reijnders—Should O'Reilly shift to defense, an opportunity arises for either Reijnders or Phil Foden. The former might get the nod considering Foden's lackluster recent performances.
LM: Antoine Semenyo—Versatile enough to play on either flank for City, Semenyo could switch to the left to accommodate Cherki. The Ghanaian has quickly established himself as indispensable for Guardiola's squad.
ST: Erling Haaland—Haaland answered his critics with a goal and assist against Liverpool, delivering once again when it counted most. He remains in contention for the Premier League Golden Boot after netting his 21st goal.