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

Fulham host Man Utd . The Cottagers have won just twice in nine league matches whilst United have lost eight of their last 14 matches in all competitions. However, Man Utd have won their last six matches at Craven Cottage.

Fulham Form

Fulham’s 10 league matches have seen three wins, three draws, and four losses. Three of their four defeats were against the ‘big six’ in Man City, Chelsea and Tottenham. They have not repeated a result all season, never losing, winning, or drawing twice in a row in the league. After a three-match winless streak with 10 goals leaked, they beat Luton 1-0 at home.

A tight 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace came next, before losing 2-0 at home to Chelsea and then winning 3-1 at home to Sheffield United. After producing almost nothing for 87 minutes, they were beaten 2-0 away at Tottenham in round nine before a steady 1-1 at Brighton with just 29% possession. In midweek, Fulham won 3-1 at Ipswich in the Carabao Cup.

Fulham Team News

Marco Silva has two players ruled out through injury and two more who are doubtful. Issa Diop and Tosin Adarabioyo are ruled out at centre back so Calvin Bassey will partner with Tim Ream. Teenager Luc de Fougerolles impressed alongside Bassey in midweek and is the only other option.

Adama Traore and Kenny Tete are both back in training and are pushing to make the bench in this one. Fulham have to decide between Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz up front. Alex Iwobi will hope to start at number ten in preference to Andreas Pereira.

Fulham Motivation

The Cottagers may be an open and expansive game. They will attack United and try to go for all three points.

A draw would be seen as a good result but only late in the game will Marco Silva settle for a point and play more defensively.

Man Utd Form

United’s season so far has been dire. After a run of five losses in seven in all competitions – two wins to zero and 14 goals leaked in those losses – they looked to be rebuilding confidence by grinding out wins. Scott McTominay’s injury-time brace rescued a 2-1 home win over Brentford before winning 2-1 at Sheffield United.

A 1-0 home win over FC Copenhagen required Andre Onana to save a last-minute penalty, but it at least kept their qualification hopes alive. Last Sunday, they were thoroughly outclassed in a 3-0 loss at Old Trafford to Man City with 4.00 xG allowed. In midweek, they lost 3-0 at home again. Newcastle made light work of the Red Devils in the Carabao Cup.

Man Utd Team News

United remain somewhat handicapped by injuries. Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia are injured but Aaron Wan-Bissaka returned in midweek. Raphael Varane should shake off an illness to start, probably alongside Harry Maguire. Sergio Reguilon and Victor Lindelof will battle to start at left-back.

Further forward, Jadon Sancho remains out of the picture. Marcus Rashford should start despite scoring just once in his last 19 appearances. Casemiro is fit so Sofyan Amrabat may drop to the bench. Bruno Fernandes could play wide once again with Mason Mount as the number ten.

Man Utd Motivation

This is fast becoming a must-win game. Pressure is mounting on Ten Hag with question marks over his tactics, team selections, and recruitment.

United will try to grind out a victory with little care for their style of play. They won’t care how it comes, nor will they settle for a draw at any point.

Key Stats

Fulham are winless in 15 matches vs Man Utd (12 losses)

Fulham have lost their last 6 home EPL matches vs Man Utd

Man Utd have won their last 2 away EPL matches (6 away losses in 9 before that)

Man Utd have won just once in 11 trips to London in the Premier League

Man Utd are yet to draw a match this season (15 fixtures)

Verdict

Based on the head-to-head, Man Utd are favoured to eke out three points. However, it’s hard to see them winning right now, and backing a draw or Fulham on the double chance may be the wiser move.