Manchester United will be looking for their fifth consecutive win when they host Fulham. The encounter between the two teams is their first since November 4. The Red Devils prevailed just 1-0 at Craven Cottage. Bruno Fernandes scored the winner in the 91st minute.
Preview (Manchester United vs. Fulham)
Though, according to new minority stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Man United is “a long way behind” in terms of challenging rivals Manchester City and Liverpool “off their perch,” hopes of finishing in the top four have strengthened in the wake of an outstanding four-game winning streak. Following victories over West Ham United, Aston Villa, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, the team defeated Luton Town 2-1 last weekend. The game saw in-form striker Rasmus Hojlund score twice in the first seven minutes. Carlton Morris gave the Hatters a response at the 14-minute mark.
Erik ten Hag’s team was unable to extend their lead at Kenilworth Road. They managed to hang on for all three points and maintain their sixth-place standing in the Premier League. Man United is presently putting pressure on Tottenham Hotspur. They are only three points ahead of them in fifth place and will not be playing this weekend. Meanwhile, Aston Villa, who are currently in fourth place, has a five-point lead over the Red Devils. Although the Manchester derby is imminent, Man United’s focus must first turn to their match against Fulham on Saturday. They will be optimistic about winning because they have defeated the Cottagers 13 times.
If Man United wins, they will have won all five of their league games played at Old Trafford this month. This would give them a 100% winning record in a month in which they have participated in at least five top-flight games. Following two wins at home over Bournemouth (3-1), a 2-2 draw at Burnley, and four points from their first two games in February, Fulham suffered their 12th league loss of the season last weekend when they lost 2-1 at home to Aston Villa.
Team News
Luke Shaw, sustained a recurrence of a muscle injury during last weekend’s victory at Luton. He will likely be out for “a few months” for Man United. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (unspecified), Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia (both knee), Anthony Martial (groin), and Mason Mount (calf) are also listed as being out. Shaw’s replacement at left-back is most likely to be Victor Lindelof. Sofyan Amrabat is also a possibility because he has experience playing there. Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, and Raphael Varane are anticipated to round out the back four.
For the fifth straight league game, Ten Hag is expected to stay with the same midfield and attack, with Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo all lining up behind Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Hojlund. With 10 yellow cards this season, Fulham’s outstanding midfielder Joao Palhinha will serve a two-match suspension. As a result, Tom Cairney’s backup in the middle of the pitch will likely be Harrison Reed, Sasa Lukic, or Alex Iwobi.
In addition, Kenny Tete (calf) and Chelsea loanee Andrés Broja (sickness) will be evaluated prior to kickoff after missing the team’s loss to Aston Villa last weekend. The Cottagers will also be without attacker Raul Jimenez (thigh). As Willian plays on the left and Muniz most likely plays up front, Calvin Bassey will be vying to return to center-back ahead of Issa Diop. Meanwhile, Harry Wilson and Adama Traore will compete with Bobby De Cordova-Reid for a start on the right side.
Manchester United 3-1 Fulham
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