Prediction: Fulham vs Manchester United

Prediction: Manchester United to win both halves

Odds:16/5

Bookmaker: 888Sport

Manchester United have the opportunity to get into the Premier League top four on Saturday afternoon as they travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham.

The Red Devils have been in inspired form since the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, reigniting their pursuit of European football. Meanwhile, Claudio Ranieri has not quite had the desired impact since taking the reigns at Fulham as the Whites remain firmly rooted in the Premier League relegation zone.

Manchester United

New Red Devils’ boss Solskjaer has had a tremendous impact since he took control at Old Trafford. In his ten matches in charge, United have won nine and drawn only once. They managed to claim maximum points last time out with a slim 1-0 victory over Leicester City, courtesy of a Marcus Rashford strike. It was also their fourth clean sheet since the departure of Jose Mourinho, only one less that they managed under the Portuguese in all competitions so far this season. As a matter of fact, they have not conceded a single goal on the road since the 5-1 win over Cardiff City before Christmas.

The win at the King Power Stadium also made it four Premier League victories on the spin away from Old Trafford. They now have the opportunity to make it five in a row for the first time since November 2012. Should the Red Devils beat Fulham, and other results go their way, they could potentially be only six points behind third-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

Team News

The only injury that Solskjaer has to worry about is Marcos Rojo who remains ruled out until at least the end of February. Rashford will be hoping to continue his great form in front of goal having netted six Premier League goals since Solskjaer arrived at Old Trafford.

Fulham

Despite Manchester United currently enjoying a renaissance under their new manager, Fulham have struggled to get going under Ranieri. The Londoners still sit 19th in the league standings and seven points from safety. They have lost five out of their last six matches, with the only positive being a 4-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in their last home game. Their defensive struggles have been the main reason that they are under severe threat of relegation this season. In only 25 matches, they have shipped 55 goals – at least nine more than any other side.

Despite that, following their win against Brighton, they now have a great opportunity to make it consecutive home Premier League victories for the first time since April 2013. That is an aspect that will give them some hope against Manchester United. Their home form in general has not actually been too bad so far this campaign having claimed four victories, in comparison to having not managed to take three points on their travels so far this season.

Team News

Ranieri could have considerable choices to make in regards to his squad. Marcus Bettinelli is ruled out, whilst Timothy Fosu-Mensah is ineligible against his parent club. Andre Schurrle and Cyrus Christie have returned to training but it could be slightly too soon for them to return to action. André-Frank Zambo Anguissa will also be subjected to a late fitness test. However, Alfie Mawson does remain restricted to the sidelines with a knee injury.

Key Facts To Consider

• Manchester United have the far better all-time record between the two teams (W50, D19, L14)
• The last match between the two teams this season ended 4-1 to the Red Devils
• Fulham’s last win over Manchester United came back in December 2009
• In all of the clashes between the two, Fulham have only managed to keep 11 clean sheets
• Claudio Ranieri has only ever won one two games out of his 15 as a manager against Manchester United

Conclusion

Everything should suggest that Manchester United will claim maximum points at Craven Cottage, and that should be exactly what happens. The Red Devils have really hit their groove in recent months and Fulham’s shaky defence will really struggle to keep them quiet. It could be a clever bet to back United to hit a few goals at the weekend.

Prediction: Manchester United to win both halves

Odds: 16/5

Bookmaker: 888Sport