Is tonight the night for a Manchester City midfielder to return to form? | OneFootball

After making a strong start to the 25/26 season, Phil Foden hit the proverbial wall late in December and throughout January. A heavy workload caused Foden to become fatigued, and subsequently his performances weren’t at the high standards that they were at the beginning of this season. Tonight, Manchester City take on Fulham in an important Premier League fixture. The scene at the Etihad could be set for Foden to return to form against an opponent that he played well against in City’s 5-4 win at Craven Cottage at the beginning of December.

Phil Foden has had a period of rest which should aid him and Manchester City.

Phil Foden hasn’t started any of Manchester City’s past three Premier League matches. Foden’s last start came in Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United. He only played the first half of that match. Since then, Foden has played 29 minutes against Wolves, 2 minutes against Tottenham, and he was an unused substitute against Liverpool (statistics sourced from transfermarkt.com). Foden has had a sustained period of rest that he desperately needed. The hope is that it helps him feel refreshed and can help him get back to the form that he showed earlier this season.

Manchester City will be hoping that by giving Phil Foden the rest he needs, he can get back to his best form. Foden at his best remains one of the best players in the Premier League. With City still challenging for honors on four fronts, they need every player to contribute to the cause. Given Foden’s importance to Pep Guardiola’s side, they especially need him back in form for what lies ahead.

Phil Foden bagged a brace against Fulham earlier this season so tonight could be the night for him to release the shackles.

When Manchester City last played Fulham, City won a pulsating match 5-4 at Craven Cottage. The match didn’t make a whole lot of sense, but Pep Guardiola’s side hung on to claim a valuable three points. On that night in London, Foden bagged a brace. His overall performance was also superb, as he was poised in possession and did everything his team needed to help them win a thriller. Foden has runs on the board against tonight’s opponent, so perhaps tonight’s match at the Etihad is the ideal setting for Foden to bounce back into form.

Phil Foden has now had a sustained period of rest that he so desperately needed. After having the opportunity to rest, it is hoped that we see Foden back to his dazzling best. Tonight’s match could be the ideal setting for Foden to make a big impact for Manchester City. Foden was superb against Fulham in December, and if he starts tonight’s match and can make an impact, it could be a big moment for what lies ahead this season.