Game Week 26 Predictions: City to beat Fulham as usual

Premier League preview: Man City vs Fulham at Etihad – City chase 3-pt Arsenal gap after Anfield drama, Fulham seek Europe push; City to win.

Manchester City can build on their weekend heroics to move within three points of Arsenal when they face Fulham at the Etihad on Wednesday, it's an opportunity they can't pass on. (Photo credit: GOAL)

Manchester City vs Fulham

Etihad Stadium

8:30pm

Manchester City can close the gap between them and Arsenal to just three points when they meet 12th-placed Fulham on Wednesday night, with the Gunners not in action until Thursday.

It was a dramatic ending for the Cityzens at Anfield, a ground that typically proves hectic for them, but this time, they left with all three points. Going into added time, the Kop had all three points in their loins before Erling Haaland began his show.

One minute into added time, the big Norwegian set Bernardo Silva up for the leveller before slotting home from six yards out after Alisson uncharacteristically hacked down Matheus Nunes in the Liverpool area. It was an unprecedented three points at Anfield for the Cityzens.

Fulham isn’t ever afraid to travel. Marco Silva’s side was on the end of two back-to-back defeats that could be described as harrowing considering the context of the two games. The home loss to Everton from a winning position hurts as much as the 3-2 loss at Old Trafford.

With seconds remaining in the game against Manchester United, Benjamin Sesko fired in the winner after Fulham had pegged things back to -2-2 after having gone 2-0 down. They would hope to do better, but what are the odds against a title-chasing Manchester City?

This game means so much for the former champions, who can go within three points of the Gunners to heap pressure on Mikel Arteta and his men ahead of their Thursday fixture at Brentford. Can Manchester City stay in the race to give us a show?

Fulham has what it takes to trouble anyone on their day; however, their record against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City is horrendous. They will have to do what they’re not used to doing if they ever want to earn anything in this game.

The Lilywhites currently sit in 12th on the log; their goal would be to push for Europe. An unprecedented win at the Etihad could take them as high as 8th on the log. Is this a sensational motivation for Marco Silva and his Fulham lads?

How will they line up? Pep Guardiola will rotate a bit upfront with Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki both likely to feature, while Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo are expected to retain their spots. Rúben Dias and John Stones could feature, which means the defensive issues are easing up for the Cityzens.

Fulham can hurt City with Harry Wilson. The former Liverpool lad could be immense for the visitors, but Alex Iwobi is another player who could have a say in the game. Fulham must take their chances when they do get them; they can’t defend for ninety minutes; they must give it a go.

Verdict: Manchester City to win.