Fulham vs Manchester City Match Preview
Fulham may have lost 3-0 at Old Trafford last weekend but they bounced back midweek and fairly shocked the football world by overcoming a three goal deficit to knock Italian giants Juventus out of Europe in the 2nd leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie.
The Cottagers now progress to the Round of 8, while the Old Lady of Italian football limps home to nurse her wounded pride.
Currently 10th in the Premier League, exactly mid-table, the Cottagers needn’t be over-worried about Premier League survival. But injuries could be problematic as the season winds down.
Andy Johnson is said to be definitely out due to a knee problem. The spectacularly named Kagisho Evidence Dikgacoi is doubtful due to an ankle problem, and John Pantsil is doubtful due to a knee injury.
American international Clint Dempsey, who scored the Cottagers fourth, and winning, goal against Juventus is very capable, as is in-form striker Bobby Zamora. They could prove threatening to Manchester City.
Manchester City is in the middle of a scrap with three other clubs, all of them vying for the coveted fourth place in the league. That position allows Champions League participation next season.
Only three points separates the four clubs vying for fourth. City sit in the sixth position at the moment on 50 points. They have a game in hand over fourth place Tottenham, and two over fifth place Liverpool, so manager Roberto Mancini has to like his club’s chances.
City had a disappointing 1-1 draw against Sunderland last week but the week before that they overcame Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with an inspirational 2-4 win.
Such is Manchester City’s season, up and down.
Going into the Fulham match Martin Petrov and Michael Johnson are both injured and late news came this week that Wayne Bridge will be out for a month due to a hernia.
