Overview
Fulham have had a not-so-smooth start in the Premier League, having only won 17 points in 13 matches under Marco Silva.
They entered this match with a more positive spirit after an impressive 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur. This was a performance that showed a clear improvement in Fulham's attacking organization and confidence.
However, inconsistency is still a big problem for Fulham this season, having won just three of their last eight Premier League games.
However, Craven Cottage is still a solid support. Silva's side have won four, drawn one and suffered just one home defeat since the start of the season.
Fulham have scored 15 goals and conceded 17 in the league - figures that show attacking potential but also point to their fragility in defence.
Silva's philosophy of ball control and quick state-of-the-art continues to create many positive moments, although maintaining consistent stability is still a big challenge.
In all competitions, Fulham have won 4/5 of their most recent matches - a sign that confidence is gradually returning to the West London team.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are currently second in the Premier League table, but have shown signs of instability this season.
With 25 points after 13 matches - 8 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses - Pep Guardiola's army has been playing less steadily than in recent seasons, raising questions about their ability to compete for the throne.
They scored 27 goals and conceded only 12, showing that their attack is still very fearsome, but the defense made mistakes at many important moments.
Their away form is particularly worrying, with City having won just two of their six away games. The recent 1-2 loss to Newcastle United was a clear testament to those difficulties.
However, the quality and individual class of the Man City squad cannot be underestimated, because Guardiola's teams always know how to win even when their form is not high. The 3-2 comeback against Leeds United in the most recent round - despite almost losing the 2-0 lead - was a vivid proof, seized by Phil Foden's late shot.
The Citizens have won 3 of their last 5 matches in all competitions and are showing signs of returning to the familiar trajectory.
The history of the two teams' confrontations is also on Man City's side as The Citizens have won all five of their most recent visits to Fulham. Including a narrow 2-0 win at Craven Cottage in the recent confrontation.
Personnel situation
Fulham will continue to be without Antonee Robinson due to a knee injury, while Rodrigo Muniz will also be unable to feature due to hamstring problems.
Samuel Chukwueze is likely to keep his starting position on the wing. Alex Iwobi is expected to continue to take on the role in midfield. Calvin Bassey and Joachim Andersen are almost certain to form a central defender pair, with Bernd Leno holding the goal and Raul Jimenez leading the attack.
On the opposite side, Man City still does not have the service of Mateo Kovacic after ankle surgery. The Croatian midfielder has not started a single match for City this season, only coming off the bench against Everton and Villarreal.
Rodri's return has also been delayed as he is still trying to regain his best fitness. City's defense will likely include Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol in the center, while young talent Nico O'Reilly and midfielder Matheus Nunes can be used flexibly in wing positions.
Up front, Erling Haaland will certainly be the spearhead, supported by Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku on the left wing.
Expected lineup:
Fulham: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon, Iwobi, Berge, Wilson, King, Chukwueze, Jimenez.
Man City: Donnarumma, Nunes, Gvardiol, Dias, O'Reilly, Silva, Gonzalez, Cherki, Doku, Haaland, Foden.
The match between Fulham and Man City takes place at 2:30 am on December 3 (Vietnam time).
