LAGOS – Manchester City hope to become the first side in Premier League history to win the title four seasons in a row. It’s in their hands, too, knowing three wins from three will see them finish above Arsenal.
The Citizens continue their pursuit of a record fourth consecutive Premier League title when they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on lunchtime today.
The Cottagers are seeking revenge against the reigning champions after they suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium back in September.
Fulham are set to fall short of last season’s top-10 finish following an inconsistent period in 2024 and they require a perfect end to the campaign if they wish to reach the 50-point mark.
Five wins, five draws and six defeats have been posted in their last 16 top-flight fixtures since the turn of the year, and they enter today’s contest without a victory in their last three games, drawing their last two against Crystal Palace and Brentford.
Marco Silva’s side were forced to settle for just a point in a goalless stalemate away against Brentford last weekend and they remain 13th in the Premier League table, four points behind 10th-placed Bournemouth with only two games remaining.
Man City extended their impressive unbeaten run in the Premier League to 20 matches after putting Wolverhampton Wanderers to the sword 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, largely thanks to the prolific form of leading marksman Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian has taken his top-flight goal tally for the season to 25 – sitting at least four clear of his nearest challengers in the Golden Boot race – after scoring four goals against Wolves, including a first-half hat-trick, while Julian Alvarez was also on the scoresheet in the final five minutes to cap a dominant Citizens display.
December 6 was the last time that Pep Guardiola’s men tasted a top-flight defeat and their title destiny remains in their hands as they sit just a point behind league leaders Arsenal having played a game fewer; Man City will move two points clear at the summit with a victory today before the Gunners travel to Manchester United on Sunday.
Guardiola has insisted that Arsenal “will win” the Premier League title if his Man City side slip up in any of their remaining three matches, but taking into account their relentless form and magnificent record against Fulham, it is hard to envisage the reigning champions dropping points on today.
Indeed, the Citizens have won each of their last 15 meetings with Fulham in all competitions, the joint-longest winning run any team has had over another in competitive English football history.
City have also scored in each of their last 15 top-flight away visits to Craven Cottage, the joint-most one team has faced another with a 100% scoring record on the road in the division – along with Man United at Middlesbrough.
Before travelling to relegation-threatened Luton Town on the final day, Fulham will prepare for their final home match of the campaign against the title-chasing juggernaut that is Man City, whom they have beaten just once in their last 15 Premier League home games – a 2-1 victory back in November 2005 under former boss Chris Coleman.
Fulham have picked up 65% of their Premier League points (29 out of 44) at home so far this season, while they have already beaten the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage, so there is reason for Silva and co to be optimistic of pulling off an upset this weekend.
Fulham’s only injury concern is with midfielder Harrison Reed, who missed the draw with Brentford due to a knock, but he has since taken part in training and could be fit to return to the matchday squad.
If Reed is not deemed fit to start, then Sasa Lukic could be tasked with playing alongside Joao Palhinha in centre-midfield, while Alex Iwobi operates further forward along with Andreas Pereira and Willian.
Former Man City youngster Tosin Adarabioyo has been left out of the Fulham squad for the last two games after reportedly turning down a contract extension, and he may have already played his final game for the club as his current deal expires in June.
Issa Diop and Calvin Bassey are set to continue in central defence as a result, while in attack, Rodrigo Muniz has scored seven of his nine Premier League goals at Craven Cottage this season and is expected to lead the line once again.
As for Man City, they are set to have a clean bill of health for today’s game, so Guardiola will have a fully-fit squad to choose from.
Ederson recovered from a minor shoulder problem to start last weekend and is expected to continue in goal, while Ruben Dias recovered from illness to make the matchday squad and will be pushing for a recall in central defence along with John Stones.
Phil Foden also recovered from illness last time out and is ready to start in attack against Fulham; the Englishman could continue next to Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, but both Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish will be hoping to force their way back into the first XI.
Alvarez is another attacker at Guardiola’s disposal, but he is not expected to displace City’s goal machine Haaland, who scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture against Fulham.
Although Fulham cannot be taken lightly today considering that they have already pulled off a few upsets this term, it is difficult to back against a fully-fit Man City side, firing on all cylinders and hungry for more top-flight glory.
The Citizens boast a brilliant record against the Cottagers, scoring at least twice in each of their last 16 meetings, and we believe that they will have more joy in the final third at Craven Cottage.
In the last match of the day evening, Nottingham Forest will play host to Chelsea in another interesting and thrilling match.
Chelsea defender Reece James could make his long awaited return to the pitch away at Nottingham Forest five months after having surgery on his hamstring, manager Mauricio Pochettino said.
James has made eight appearances in the league this season and last played on December 10 against Everton.
“We need to see today (at training) but maybe he can be available in the squad, yes,” Pochettino told reporters on Friday regarding James.
“The most important thing is Reece James is going to be there for us. We have an amazing relationship and of course he is an amazing player.
“It is not easy when you comeback from a long-term injury. The most important thing is he can be available and be part of the squad. It is important to finish (the season) with good feelings.”
The return of James could be a big boost for Chelsea in their final three games as they chase European competition next season and also fuels hope the 24-year-old could feature for England at Euro 2024.
Chelsea are seventh in the standings on 54 points, while relegation-threatened Forest are three points above the drop zone in 17th with two games remaining.
“It’s true it’s going to be hard (to qualify for European competition),” Pochettino said. “Of course, we know very well we need to win games in the last three games. We then have a possibility to move into a place to play in Europe.
“The team is ready to face the last three games and it is important for us to be in Europe.”
Midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, who has not played since injuring his hamstring on Christmas Eve, also returned to training, while goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is nearing a return to full training.
“(I’m) Happy,” Pochettino said on the return of injured players. “This is the last week of the season and nearly all the players will be fit and available — it’s a good time. It’s good to see the future and be more optimistic.”
The fact he will only have a fit squad for the final week, he added, is disappointing.
“I think to increase the level and improve everyday we need to assess why we need to do better and improve,” Pochettino said. “I think it’s a good challenge for next season… we need to increase the availability of the players.”
Chelsea head to Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday before hosting Bournemouth on the final day on Sunday, May 19.
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