Man City Starting XI vs Fulham: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Man City Predicted Lineup for Fulham Clash at Craven Cottage

Man City head into tonight’s Premier League trip to Fulham with selection intrigue concentrated more on rotation than availability. The notable absentee remains the same. “Manchester City will be without Rodri once again when they travel to the capital to face Fulham tonight.” The midfielder’s stop start campaign continues to disrupt Guardiola’s plans after “the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has been plagued with fitness issues this term,” following his long recovery from an ACL rupture and now “struggling with a niggling hamstring problem this time around.”

Photo IMAGO

There had been hope of a return after the November international break, yet “that timeline has been pushed back slightly.” Guardiola confirmed as much on Monday, saying Rodri was “not yet” fit to play and therefore will not travel to Craven Cottage.

Injury Updates Shape Man City Decisions

Rodri stands as the only short term injury concern. “Mateo Kovacic a longer term absentee after ankle surgery” remains the other enforced absence, leaving Guardiola with an otherwise healthy squad to rotate as he juggles domestic and European demands.

Photo IMAGO

That balancing act has already been tested. Tactical experimentation in the Champions League proved costly, as “his tinkering against Bayer Leverkusen backfired, choosing to rest key players as his side were swept aside 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium.” The response was swift and far more faithful to the reliable core of the squad. Against Leeds, City “recorded a last gasp 3-2 victory,” with a partially refreshed lineup delivering control rather than comfort.

Rotation in Man City Lineup Discussion

With fixtures coming thick and fast and a looming Champions League visit to the Santiago Bernabeu, Guardiola hinted at managing workloads, particularly for his talismanic striker.

Photo: IMAGO

“Erling sometimes has to rest because he plays a lot of minutes, but sometimes with his body I don’t know if it’s good to rest,” Guardiola said.

“Sometimes it is better to play, play, play and after 60 minutes maybe you are tired and go out. I don’t know when his body stops.

“With Phil [Foden], Jeremy [Doku], Bernardo [Silva], when they stop rest is good because they come back immediately.”

Such comments underline the unpredictable rhythm behind Guardiola’s predicted selections. Expect continuity in structure but potential adjustment in personnel, especially across the forward line.

Man City Predicted XI Against Fulham

Predicted Man City XI (4 3 3): Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Silva, Nico, Reijnders, Foden, Haaland, Doku

Injured: Kovacic, Rodri

Time and date: 7.30pm GMT on Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Venue: Craven Cottage

How to watch: Sky Sports

For Man City, the predicted lineup balances urgency with preservation. Guardiola’s focus will be on maintaining Premier League traction while navigating calendar pressures that grow heavier by the week. Without Rodri anchoring midfield, selection becomes as much about chemistry as freshness, with tonight’s team likely shaped by a blend of continuity and calculated rotation.