Manchester City are closing in on a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Pep Guardiola’s side will be crowned champions again if they win their remaining three league fixtures, starting on Saturday afternoon at Fulham. City will reclaim top spot from Arsenal this weekend if they secure all three points in West London ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Manchester United on Sunday.
And Guardiola has been boosted by having a full squad to choose from at Craven Cottage, with no injury concerns going into Saturday’s game. The champions will also be brimming with confidence after thrashing Wolves 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium last time out.
City may line up with an unchanged team this weekend after having a week of no fixtures to prepare for Fulham. However, Guardiola tends to make subtle changes to his team for each individual game.
Don’t be surprised if the Catalan chooses to bring in the creativity of Jack Grealish out wide which may see Bernardo Silva drop into midfield alongside Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne. Taking Mateo Kovacic out may lead to having less control in midfield, but City should go on the attack with Fulham in poor form having won just two of their last 10 matches.
And the form of Erling Haaland, who scored four against Wolves, should give Guardiola confidence that they will enjoy a fruitful afternoon in front of goal against the Cottagers.
Defensively, City are likely to remain unchanged. Hwang-Hee Chan’s goal for last Wolves last weekend ended a run of three consecutive clean sheets, with just three conceded in all competitions since the 3-3 draw at Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals on April 9.
When asked how he will choose his team for Saturday with a full squad available, Guardiola said: “How we feel, how they train, how they behave, the opponent, tactics and many things. There is not a specific rule to decide.”
Predicted City XI: Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol, Rodri, Silva, De Bruyne, Foden, Grealish, Haaland
