Date: December 2, 2025
Match: Fulham vs. Manchester City
Venue: Craven Cottage, London
Kick-off: 8:30 PM WAT
Tuesday nights under the floodlights at Craven Cottage always have a special feel to them. The historic old ground by the Thames, the crisp December air, and tonight, the arrival of the Premier League champions.
But for Fulham fans, the sight of Manchester City usually brings more dread than excitement. The statistic is brutal: City have won 18 consecutive meetings against the Cottagers. It is the longest winning run by one team against another in English football history.
Tonight, Marco Silva’s men aren't just playing for three points; they are playing to exorcise a ghost that has haunted this fixture since 2012.
Make no mistake, Fulham are coming into this game with their tails up. The morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend was massive. It wasn't just the result; it was the performance. Seeing Samuel Chukwueze tear down the wing and grab an assist was a reminder of the quality this squad possesses.
However, the injury list is a concern. Missing the tireless energy of Antonee Robinson at left-back is a huge blow, especially when you have to deal with City’s wide threats. Rodrigo Muniz remains sidelined as well, meaning the veteran Raul Jiménez will once again lead the line, tasked with holding up play against Ruben Dias and Gvardiol.
Manchester City arrives in London sitting 2nd in the table, furiously chasing Arsenal. They are fresh off a thrilling, chaotic 3-2 win against Leeds United—a game that showed both their unstoppable attack and their surprisingly leaky defense.
Pep Guardiola is navigating a midfield minefield. With Rodri and Mateo Kovacic both out, City loses that impenetrable shield in front of the back four. This is where Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Andreas Pereira (if he starts) need to be brave. If there was ever a time to get at City, it’s when their engine room is being patched together.
But then, you look at the attack. Erling Haaland is scoring for fun (as usual), and Phil Foden netted the winner against Leeds in stoppage time, proving he is the man for the big moments. Stopping them requires 90 minutes of perfection.
Calvin Bassey vs. Erling Haaland: A true heavyweight clash. Bassey has the strength to match Haaland physically, but if he switches off for a split second, the Norwegian will punish him.
Kenny Tete vs. Jeremy Doku/Phil Foden: With Robinson out, the pressure on Fulham's full-backs is immense. Tete is one of the best 1v1 defenders in the league, but City’s wingers are relentless.
The Midfield Engine: Can Fulham’s midfield duo dominate a Rodri-less City? If they can disrupt the rhythm, the crowd will get involved, and Craven Cottage will become a cauldron.
Logic says Manchester City wins this. They have the history, the squad depth, and the necessity of keeping pace in the title race.
But football isn't played on paper. Fulham are at home, they have momentum from the derby win, and they are facing a City side that is conceding goals (almost 1.3 per game this season).
If Fulham can survive the first 20 minutes without conceding, the "City Curse" might just look a little less scary tonight.
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