Fulham welcome Manchester City to Craven Cottage on Tuesday, December 2 (7:30 PM GMT) in a Premier League clash that carries weight at both ends of the table. City, sitting second on 25 points, can pull level with leaders Arsenal on 28 with a victory. Fulham, in 15th with 17 points, could vault to 10th with an upset and put distance between themselves and the relegation zone.
Where to watch: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League (UK), NBC Sports (USA), DAZN (Canada).
The Streak That Looms Large
The defining number here is 18. That is how many consecutive matches City have won against Fulham, the longest winning streak against a single opponent in English football history. Fulham last beat City in March 2009. Goalkeeper Bernd Leno owns a personal 0-12 record against the champions, conceding 34 goals across those meetings.
Yet the Cottagers enter this fixture in confident mood. Their last six overall reads W-L-D-W-L-W, including back-to-back wins against Sunderland (1-0) and Tottenham (2-1 away). At Craven Cottage, Marco Silva’s side have been solid: five wins, one draw and one loss in seven home matches this season.
City’s Title Pursuit Hits Turbulence
Pep Guardiola’s men have navigated choppy waters recently. Their last six Premier League games show four wins and two defeats, including losses to Newcastle and Liverpool that opened the door for Arsenal. A 3-2 home win over Leeds on November 29 steadied the ship, but City have won just one of their last four away fixtures in the league.
The numbers tell a mixed story. City average 2.1 goals per game across 13 Premier League matches, but have failed to score in two of their last three. Erling Haaland, with eight league goals this season and six in six career meetings against Fulham, remains the obvious threat.
Team News
Manchester City: Rodri (thigh) remains sidelined until mid-December. Mateo Kovacic (ankle) is out, while John Stones is doubtful. Nathan Ake returns from a knock to bolster the backline. The midfield depth takes a hit without two key figures.
Fulham: Antonee Robinson (knee) and Rodrigo Muniz (hamstring) are unavailable. Harrison Reed is doubtful with a groin issue. Raul Jimenez, who scored at Spurs, is fit to lead the line. Harry Wilson returns from a knock.
Numbers to Watch
City have conceded seven goals in their last five matches, with three coming from corners. Fulham score 25% of their goals from set pieces. That could be the avenue for an upset. Over 2.5 goals has landed in nine of the last 14 meetings between these sides.
