It’s hard to tell whether the international break came at the right time for City. On the one hand, they had built up momentum after winning the Carabao Cup, going top of the Premier League, and progressing in the FA Cup and Champions League.
Still, the packed fixture schedule had taken its toll on the squad, with injuries to a number of players. With many now returning to fitness, manager Pep Guardiola’s side should be able to kick on for a final push towards the title.
The Citizens face a Fulham side on Saturday knowing full well that they cannot stave off relegation. Scott Parker’s team are now 13 points off safety with only eight games left.
The Cottagers did, however, put up a decent fight against Liverpool last time out, and City shouldn’t take the three points for granted this weekend.
On the injury front, things are certainly looking up, with Fernandinho having recovered from the muscular problem that he picked up in the cup final win against Chelsea.
Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring) and John Stones (groin) both limped off against Bournemouth a few weeks ago but they are also back in contention for the weekend. Benjamin Mendy (knee) and captain Vincent Kompany (muscle) could also return.
Guardiola is still sweating over the fitness of Nicolas Otamendi (ankle) and Fabian Delph (knock) who both withdrew from international squads due to injury problems. Claudio Bravo is still out of action as he recovers from an Achilles injury.
Fulham have three players on the injury list. Andre Schurrle has missed the last five games with a virus while Marcus Bettinelli (knock) and Alfie Mawson (knee) remain sidelined.
The bookmakers make City clear favourites for this game. They are 1/6 odds-on at Betfred with a draw best priced at 17/2 with 888 Sport. A victory for Fulham is 20/1 at BetVictor.
Manchester City’s Predicted XI To Face Fulham:
Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Zinchenko, Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Fernandinho, David Silva, Sane, Aguero
Fulham’s Predicted XI:
Rico, Christie, Chambers, Ream, Bryan, Seri, McDonald, Cairney, Babel, Mitrovic, Sessegnon
Predicted Score – 4-1 to City
