City were sensational against Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday, securing a 3-1 win in one of the harshest Champions League arenas.
But by common consent, the 2014 League Cup winners haven’t always hit their own demanding levels this season.
One such occasion was against Liverpool in the November Premier League clash, when the Merseysiders romped to a 4-1 win in front of a disbelieving Etihad Stadium crowd.
28-year-old Fernando was in the side that day, as he was on Wednesday in Ukraine, and is confident that a professional performance can secure the first available piece of silverware of the season.
“They are actually a great team, with awesome players,” Fernando said of Sunday’s opponents.
“With (manager) Jurgen Klopp they improved a lot and we know that, but we also know our qualities and the players we have and we are planning to go there and focus only on us.
“We know we will face a powerful team, but we will do our jobs. I know that if we do it well, we will win.
“We are going for the victory. We never want to lose, unfortunately we lost the first game against them, but we have learnt a lot from that defeat. That won’t happen this time because we will be fully concentrated.”
Both teams will have to shrug off midweek exertions - Liverpool defeated Augsburg 1-0 in the Europa League at Anfield on Thursday night - but Fernando has a dual reason to head into the game in high spirits.
Firstly, he put in a fine performance against Kyiv, hunting down possession and turning defence into attack on numerous occasions.
Secondly, the mystique of playing at the iconic Wembley Stadium should be enough to salve any soreness in his limbs.
“It was a match where I was able to help my team,” said Fernando, reflecting on his performance against Kyiv. “But I hope I won’t stop here. I hope to contribute a lot more.
“We are well and preparing for this game against a great team, but everyone is focus and we hoping to get there, deliver a great performance and bring the trophy.
“I am very well and focused. It’s a great final and we know how important it’s for our club, to win it, therefore we will work a lot in order to do it.
“It’s a great sensation (to play at Wembley). It has a mystique about it, it’s huge and beautiful. Playing a final is always a big motivation, even more in a stadium like Wembley. I hope we can go there and leave with the victory.”
