Fulham visits Eastlands

Prior to mention Fulham's visit of Manchester City I would first like to draw attention that twenty years ago on 15 April, ninety-six individuals lost their lives in the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough. I ask each of you to stop for a moment and remember those whose lives were lost that day. No words can express the sorrow or ease the pain those lost their loves ones that day but as always, my thoughts and prayers go out to them.

Following the Citizens dowdy performance in the UEFA Cup in which they lost 3-1 to Hamburg, Mark Hughes side is in dire need of a victory. Critical to next years Europa League berth is a victory of Fulham who equally have their sights set on European football. In many ways the future of Mr. Hughes with the club could hinge on victory today as without a trip to the Europa League next year, ownership might be more inclined to reconsider their position.

Noting his sides chance for the final spot, Mark Hughes said:

"We're still very much in the mix for seventh, and it's an important Premier League game. It's our bread and butter, and we're looking to continue the good home form we have shown of late.

"It's difficult because I am asking the same players to play week in, week out but I have to play them because we want the right quality on the pitch to compete against teams such as Hamburg. At times it can come back and compromise things, so we will just have to see who is fit and available for Fulham."

The Citizens are without Craig Bellamy and Benjani Mwaruwari for the match and have considerable doubts of Vincent Kompany and Shaun Wright-Phillips.