Fulham host Manchester City at Craven Cottage on the final day of the Premier League season. Marco Silva’s side will be looking to cement their place in the top half of the table, but there’s a lot more riding on the game for Pep Guardiola’s men.
By Matt Smith
It’s a fairly complicated race for Europe this year, but it’s fairly straightforward for Man City to qualify for the Champions League. A win or draw at Craven Cottage will be enough, and an out-of-form Fulham side stand in their way.
A repeat of the reverse fixture will do for Guardiola after they won at the Etihad earlier in the season. The Spanish manager will be hoping it’s a little more relaxed, with the Citizens narrowly beating Fulham 3-2.
Team news
Fulham will be without Harrison Reed, Timothy Castagne, Rodrigo Muniz, and Reiss Nelson heading into this game, but there shouldn’t be any fresh injury concerns for the Cottagers.
City welcomed back crucial midfielder Rodri earlier in the week, so it will be interesting to see whether he’s fit enough to start. Guardiola confirmed to the media ahead of the game that everyone is available except John Stones, who remains on the injury list.
Fulham are a threat out wide
Fulham’s system allows Antonee Robinson to almost play as a left winger when they are in possession, bombing on down the flank and pumping crosses into the box to Raúl Jiménez. Robinson’s pinpoint deliveries have been a crucial method of attack, with the American international picking up 10 Premier League assists this season.
Silva’s side have produced 6.3 accurate crosses per game this season, and it’s no surprise with a player like Jiménez attacking the ball. It’s certainly something City will have to be wary of.
Lack of creativity the difference for City
It’s been a disappointing season by City’s lofty standards, missing out on the Premier League title – a rarity for Guardiola’s side. City have created just 66.2 expected goals this season, with champions Liverpool producing a whopping 81.3%.
The drop-off in creating chances has been a concern for City, but it’s clear to see why. Phil Foden has endured a difficult campaign after performing so exceptionally last term, while Kevin De Bruyne has struggled with injuries, starting just 19 Premier League games this season.
Return of Rodri could be crucial
There’s no doubt another key reason for City’s poor campaign is the absence of Rodri. The Spanish midfielder has played just 73 minutes this season. Last term, Rodri was crucial, not only for protecting the back four and building the play from deep, but also his goals and creativity.
Last season, Rodri provided 17 goals and assists combined, a phenomenal contribution for a defensive midfielder. His primary role in the team is to take the ball from the defence and progress through the midfield, but he showed last term that he has so much more to his game than just that.
Prediction
This game is simply too important for Man City. We’re going for a 3-1 win for Guardiola’s men.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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