Manchester United face Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League this Saturday following their 3-0 defeat in the Manchester Derby.
The Red Devils will be looking to bounce back after a dismal display against Manchester City last Sunday while the Cottagers will be looking to build on a point they picked up against Brighton.
Here’s all you need to know about this Saturday’s clash.
Fulham vs Manchester United – Premier League Match Preview:
Form
Fulham: WLWLD
Marco Silva’s men currently sit 14th in the Premier League and are one of four teams who sit on 12 points after ten games, with the Cottagers part of a cluster of teams that occupy the mid-table places.
Despite having just 29% of the possession against Brighton, a Joao Palhinha strike from the edge of the area found the top corner to earn the West London outfit a point at the Amex Stadium.
Come for the tackles, stay for the strike.
Sit back and enjoy João Palhinha vs Brighton… 🍿 pic.twitter.com/VU15nV2ynR
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) October 30, 2023
The Cottagers have seen limited success against teams above them in the division, as their three Premier League wins have all come against teams below them, with 1-0 wins over Everton and Luton, as well as a 3-1 victory against Sheffield United.
Injuries currently plague the Fulham defence. Issa Diop has a foot problem, while Kenny Tete misses out with a groin injury. Centre back Tosin Adarabioyo is edging closer to a return following successful surgery on his groin.
Manchester United: LWWWL
The Red Devils’ derby day defeat leaves them eighth in the Premier League, already eight points behind Liverpool in fourth, and they could be leapfrogged by opponents Fulham with a defeat this weekend.
“That would be the worst thing that could happen at this point”
How much pressure is Erik ten Hag under at the moment? Who could replace him if Manchester United did decide to make a managerial change? 💭 pic.twitter.com/oTsBzCqOmM
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 1, 2023
Before being defeated by Manchester City, Erik Ten Hag’s men had picked up three successive victories in all competitions, all by a singular goal.
Andre Onana’s stoppage time penalty save earned his side three points in the Champions League in a 1-0 win over Copenhagen.
A late long-range strike from Diogo Dalot helped beat rock bottom Sheffield United 2-1, and an injury-time brace from Scott McTominay saved United’s skin in a 2-1 win over Brentford.
However, a disastrous derby defeat was followed with another emphatic home loss in midweek, as Ten Hag’s team lost 3-0 to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.
Ten Hag will be hoping to welcome midfielder Casemiro back from injury, while full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain out, as do Lisandro Martinez and Jadon Sancho.
Last Meeting
Manchester United 2-1 Fulham, May 28th 2023
You only have to go as far back as the final day of last season to find the last meeting between the two sides.
Going into the game, the Red Devils held a two-point lead over Newcastle in third place and only needed to equal the Magpies’ result to hold onto third spot. Fulham were sat in mid-table, following three games without defeat.
The away side took the lead at Old Trafford when Willian’s corner was headed home at the near post by the onrushing Kenny Tete and it could’ve been two, but Aleksandar Mitrovic saw his penalty saved by David De Gea.
United drew level just before half-time when a loose ball fell to Jadon Sancho in the six-yard box and the now out-of-favour winger finished into an open goal.
The Red Devils completed their comeback when Bruno Fernandes lofted the ball over Bernd Leno, securing a third place finish in the Premier League and Champions League qualification.
Predicted Lineups
Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Bassey, Ream, Robinson; Palhinha, Reed; Willian, Iwobi, Decordova-Reid; Jimenez.
Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Reguilon; Amrabat, McTominay, Mount; Fernandes, Hojlund, Rashford.
Who is the referee?
John Brooks.
Is Fulham v Manchester United on TV?
UK and Ireland: TNT Sports 1.
USA: USA Network.
What time is kick off?
Saturday 4th November, 12:30pm GMT.
Odds
Fulham – 5/2
Draw – 5/2
Manchester United – 21/20
