Prediction: Manchester United to win 2-0
Odds: 13/2
Bookmaker: Betfair
Manchester United will be aiming to hold onto to top spot in the Premier League as they travel to Craven Cottage on Wednesday evening.
The Red Devils currently sit top of the pile, two points clear of their nearest challengers Manchester City, and will be hoping to extend that advantage in West London. Meanwhile, Scott Parker finally seems to have got his Fulham side firing despite still sitting in the relegation zone. It goes without saying then that three points against Manchester United would be a huge boost in their fight against the drop.
Fulham
It’s been a promising run of results for the Whites despite having just one win in their last eight games in all competitions following their slender defeat to Chelsea last time out. Five consecutive draws in the Premier League saw them keep their momentum going, having notably taken points off of reigning champions Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Their defensive record also seems to have improved in that time too. Having conceded an astounding 22 goals in their opening ten matches of the campaign, Parker’s men then only shipped four in the following six league fixtures, solidarity that would give them a huge chance of remaining in the top-flight. The main problem now seems to be at the other end of the pitch. Only relegation rivals Burnley and Sheffield United have netted fewer goals than Fulham’s 14 this season, with their top scorer Bobby Decordova-Reid having bagged just four of those. As a matter of fact, they have failed to find the net in any of their previous three home league matches. Fulham have not gone four successive home matches without scoring in the top-flight since 1961.
Team News
Antonee Robinson is set to drop out of the starting line-up with suspension due to the red card he was awarded in the loss against Chelsea. He is likely to be replaced by Joe Bryan. Tom Cairney, Mario Lemina and Terence Kongolo all remain ruled out. The Whites will be boosted by the return of Ruben Loftus-Cheek after he missed out against parent club Chelsea last time out, whilst Aleksandar Mitrovic could also be back in contention.
Manchester United
With their point in the 0-0 draw against Liverpool last time out, Manchester United occupy top spot, surprisingly just the third time that the Red Devils have sat top in the Premier League for consecutive game weeks since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. They now have a wonderful chance to extend their advantage at the top to five points with a victory. Considering their away form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, it is difficult to bet against them. Manchester United have not lost an away game in the league in over a year, with their last defeat coming at Anfield in January 2020. Ironically, the most recent clash against Jurgen Klopp’s men was also the first time that the Red Devils men have failed to find the net away from home in the league since that defeat. One aspect that visitors are struggling with this season is their defence. No side in the top-half have conceded more than Manchester United’s 24 goals in the league this season, whilst opponents Fulham have shipped just one more throughout the campaign.
Team News
There is unlikely to be many changes to the team that secured a point on Merseyside, with the Red Devils arguably having their best team available. There are a few injury worries however, with Brandon Williams, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Facundo Pellestri restricted to the sidelines. It remains to be seen whether recent arrival Amad Diallo will be included in the matchday squad for the first time.
Key Facts To Consider
- Manchester United have a far better all time head-to-head record between the two teams (W51, D19, L14)
- The Red Devils won the last game between the two 3-0
- Fulham have not beaten Manchester United since December 2009
- Both teams have scored in three out of the last four meetings between the two sides
- Manchester United can go five points clear at the top of the Premier League for the first time since May 2013
Conclusion
Despite Fulham’s slight renaissance in recent weeks, they are going to find life extremely tough against a Red Devils side who are bang in form on the road. Manchester United meanwhile, will be keen to rack up a few goals against one of the sides who are candidates for relegation. It’s likely to be a straight-forward three points for the visitors.
Prediction: Manchester United to win 2-0
Odds: 13/2
Bookmaker: Betfair
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