Man Utd v Fulham – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Man Utd host Fulham on Friday United have won 14 of their last 17 home matches against the Cottagers but lost 2-1 at home to Fulham in May. Marco Silva’s side won three of their final seven away matches last term after an 11-match winless streak on their travels.

Man Utd Form

United won their final two league matches of last season, 3-2 vs Newcastle and 2-0 at Brighton. They had been on a dire run of two wins in 11 in the Premier League before that. That streak saw them keep just one clean sheet and leak 22 goals including a 4-0 loss at Crystal Palace to hit rock-bottom.

Last season finished with those two league wins and a surprise 2-1 win in the FA Cup final vs Man City which made up slightly for an eighth-place finish in the league. Last weekend, they drew 1-1 vs City in the Community Shield before losing on penalties. That followed an iffy preseason with three defeats including 3-0 vs Liverpool.

Man Utd Team News

Erik Ten Hag has plenty of injuries ahead of the new season. Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, and Luke Shaw are all injured in defence and Harry Maguire is doubtful. Rasmus Hojlund is doubtful up front so either Bruno Fernandes or Jadon Sancho may play as a false nine.

Joshua Zirkzee may make his debut up-front from the bench. In Shaw’s absence, new signing Noussair Mazraoui could start at left back. Fellow new addition Matthijs de Ligt will be partnered by Lisandro Martinez at centre back.

Man Utd Motivation

This season is a fresh start for the club, and they will want to begin with three points. A draw would be a poor result.

Ten Hag’s side will play an open game and look to use wide attacks through Rashford and Garnacho.

Fulham Form

Fulham finished 13th last season as they won just two of their final nine league fixtures after a 3-0 home win over Tottenham in March. They leaked 3+ goals in four of those matches. A late-season recovery at least saw just one loss in the final four fixtures.

They drew 1-1 at home with Crystal Palace and then 0-0 at Brentford. A 4-0 home humbling by Man City followed as they mustered just one shot and allowed 3.25 xG. A 4-2 win at Luton completed the season. Fulham have had some good preseason results including beating Benfica 1-0.

Fulham Team News

It’s been a busy window for Fulham, losing Tosin Adarabioyo, Joao Palhinha, and seemingly Willian from their best XI. Emile Smith Rowe has been signed from Arsenal and he could play either as one of the midfields three or as a narrow-left winger.

At the back, Tim Ream has departed, and Jorge Cuenca has come in from Villarreal. He could partner with Calvin Bassey in defence. Up front, it will be one of Raul Jimenez or Rodrigo Muniz. The latter scored nine goals in the final 16 league matches of last season.

Fulham Motivation

Marco Silva’s team will arrive at Old Trafford with confidence, having won there last season.

Expect an attacking approach. They will both give space to Man Utd but also revel in the big gaps afforded to them by the hosts.

Key Stats

Man Utd have won 14 of their last 17 home matches against Fulham (all competitions)

Man Utd have won just 4 of their last 13 EPL matches

The last 7 clashes between these teams have seen Both Sides on Target on 6 occasions

Fulham won just 4 away league matches last season (3 wins in the final 7 away matches)

Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz has scored 9 goals in his last 16 league matches

Verdict

An exciting Friday night fixture awaits us. Both teams should score and there are some exciting debuts expected. Man Utd probably have just about enough to outscore their opponents in the absence of Palhinha.