Manchester City will take on Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round tie at the Etihad Stadium. The defending champions would look to book their place in the next round by getting the win this weekend. City and Fulham haven’t faced each other in the FA Cup since 1914. Fulham will come in this game on the back of a 0-0 draw against Charlton Athletic in the Championship. Meanwhile, Guardiola’s men secured a narrow win against Sheffield United recently.
With the Premier League title looking out of bounds, City would want to win the other domestic trophies on offer. The home team would undoubtedly be the favourites to book their place in the fifth round.
Team News: Leroy Sane has been on the sidelines since August last year, and he could be out for a few more weeks. He is expected to return at some point next month. John Stones and Benjamin Mendy are doubtful for this encounter after they were not involved in the matchday squad against the Blades.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham
Formation (4-3-3)
Guardiola has experimented more this season, and the Citizens played with three at the back against Sheffield United. He could return to his usual 4-3-3 for this game.
Defence
Claudio Bravo is expected to feature in between the sticks for this cup game. He is likely to be shielded by the centre back pairing of Fernandinho and Nicolas Otamendi. Aymeric Laporte, who is making a comeback from a lengthy injury spell, might not be risked in this encounter and City should be strong enough to go past Fulham without their best defender.
However, Guardiola might look at this the other way, and he could hand Laporte a start as to get him up to pace by giving him some much-needed game time on the field. It could go either way, but we believe that Laporte would be rested. Joao Cancelo could feature at right-back. Oleksandr Zinchenko might get the nod to start at left-back.
Midfield
Ilkay Gundogan might start in the deepest role in midfield. Phil Foden is expected to feature in the playing eleven in midfield. The other midfield spot could go to Bernardo Silva while Kevin De Bruyne might get a breather.
Attack
Raheem Sterling has been below par in the last few weeks, and this could be a good game for him to get his form back. He is likely to start on the left flank. Riyad Mahrez is expected to begin from the right. Gabriel Jesus could lead the line in place of Sergio Aguero.
