Manchester United vs Fulham: Preview, Team News & Predictions
A revitalized Manchester United side welcomes Fulham to Old Trafford on Saturday, February 24th in their bid to make it five Premier League wins on the trot.
Erik ten Hag’s side have infused consistency to their exploits and now sit just five points shy of fourth-placed Aston Villa.
The Dutch mastermind will demand more from his side who enjoyed a fast start versus Luton Town but only somehow edged the Hatters in a 2-1 win. Their 16-game unbeaten league record against Fulham should help sharpen their focus for a late top four surge.
The Cottagers have been a mixed bag, something Marco Silva will be keen to address as the club pushes for a top-half finish. Expectations have risen at Craven Cottage after their 10th place finish last season, but dropping a two-goal lead against Burnley as they did in early February didn’t help matters.
They do have the quality from crosses and a striker in Rogrigo Muniz finding his shooting boots. Can they upset Manchester United’s party away from home? Here’s all you need to know ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Team News
Manchester United
Manchester United’s relatively flooded treatment room is headlined by Rasmus Hojlund’s latest setback. The sharpshooter is sidelined for two to three weeks according to Ten Hag.
Luke Shaw’s reaggravation of a muscle injury will keep him out for a substantial period as well. Victor Lindelof was expected to be deputized in his place, although Sofyan Amrabat is also an option for Ten Hag going forward.
Tyrell Malacia and Lindelof continue to undergo rehabilitation for respective knee injuries. Mason Mount and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have also been ruled out, whereas Anthony Martial is sidelined with a groin issue.
Fulham
Fulham will be without Joao Palhinha for the next two matches owing to a suspension. They’ve shipped 10 goals in the four league games he hasn’t started this season. Calvin Bassey’s return boosts their solidity in midfield however.
The key delivery from Fulham boss Silva’s press conference was the availability of Willian. “We’re still assessing Willian. All the other players are probably going to be available, even Willian, but we have to do a little bit more,” he stated.
Armando Broja returns from illness, while Raul Jimenez is injured.
Predicted XI
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Lindelof; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Antony; Rashford
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Cairney, Bassey; De Cordova-Reid, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz
Match Prediction
Fulham possess the final ball ability to disrupt a leaky Man United defense, however Palhinha’s absence could prove costly. The Red Devils have been encouraging in front of goal, and Fulham’s numbers are alarmingly underwhelming without their talismanic midfielder.
Old Trafford will be buzzing as Man United could continue their morale-boosting run of form despite not having their chief goalscorer.
Predicted score: Manchester United 3-1 Fulham
Also read: Manchester United Minority Sale Approved For Sir Jim Ratcliffe
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Ardfern. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.