Man City predicted XI v Fulham: Bernardo Silva axed, two changes made
Man City are seeking qualification for the Champions League on the season’s final day as they prepare to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Pep Guardiola’s side were victorious last time out as Omar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez found the net in a 3-1 victory at the Etihad.
A win against Fulham would cement a third-placed finish, with two points currently separating them from sixth-placed Aston Villa, outside of the Champions League places.
The last meeting between these two sides saw City take all three points after two goals from Mateo Kovacic and one from Jeremy Doku sandwiched between Andreas Pereira and Rodrigo Muniz’s strikes.
Guardiola’s team will now be looking to take another three points as they aim to end a disappointing season on a high.
Pep Guardiola to make two changes in Man City v Fulham
After a disappointing season which has seen City go trophyless for the first time since 2016-17, Guardiola has some big decisions to make on the final day.
Ederson will keep his spot in goal, while the usual back line of Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol start ahead of him.
Mateo Kovacic is unavailable after seeing red against Bournemouth, forcing City to make at least one change to their last starting XI.
Guardiola confirmed Rodri is not yet ready to start after an eight-month spell on the sidelines despite having made a substitute appearance during Tuesday’s victory at the Etihad, so Gonzalez will start in midfield alongside Ilkay Gundogan.
Kevin de Bruyne will also feature from the start in his 422nd and final game for the club.
Further forward, Erling Haaland will lead the line with Omar Marmoush alongside him, and Phil Foden could be given the chance to impress in place of Bernardo Silva.
The boss spoke about the England international’s form in recent weeks ahead of the game, as he explained they will stick by him and backed him to bounce back.
Jack Grealish exit update emerges at the Etihad
One player who is not likely to return to the starting XI is Jack Grealish, who has started just seven league games so far this season.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 22 May that Grealish is expecting to leave Man City before next season after telling friends he has been frozen out by Guardiola.
The England star, 29, has struggled for game time this season and did not even come off the bench as City lost the FA Cup final 1-0 to Crystal Palace last weekend.
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