Home of football statistics and historyManchester United will be desperate to shrug off recent disappointments when they visit Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.
United’s controversial 1-0 defeat by Manchester City at Old Trafford last weekend left them 13th in the table with just four points from four games.
Fulham finally got off the mark for the season with a gritty 0-0 draw at Liverpool last Saturday and they will be eager to build on that result.
Reputable betting sites rate the Red Devils as the favourites to win the game and a strong case can be made for suggesting they are a good bet.
United have a point to prove
The Red Devils will head to Craven Cottage with a point to prove after a relatively underwhelming start to the new Premier League campaign.
However, delving a little deeper into United’s results highlights that it is arguably a little to early to worry about their position in the Premier League table.
Michael Carrick’s side put their opening day defeat at Hull City behind them with a fine home victory over Ipswich Town in their second outing.
They were on course to pick up another three points in their third game, but a late wonder goal by Ainsley Maitland-Niles secured a draw for Everton.
The defeat against City on Sunday left a bitter taste, with Pro Ref confirming after the game that Erling Braut Haaland’s winner should have been ruled out for offside.
That was little consolation to United, who deserved at least a point from the game. They now have the chance to set the record straight at Fulham.
Fulham stop the rot at Liverpool
After failing to collect any points in their opening three games, Fulham stopped the rot by picking up a draw at Liverpool last weekend.
The clean sheet was a welcome relief for manager Alvaro Arbeloa, whose team had shipped seven goals in their first three league outings.
Despite this, United have the firepower to cause them plenty of problems if everything clicks into gear this weekend.
Fulham versus Man United has been a one-sided encounter in recent times, with the latter taking ten points from their last four meetings in the Premier League.
Former manager Marco Silva’s work at Fulham went under the radar, and Arbeloa has yet to prove that he is the right man to replace him.
His summer signings have struggled to make their mark during the early part of the campaign and their hopes of beating United are slim.
Attacking rejig can tip the scales in United’s favour
United undoubtedly missed left-back Luke Shaw against City, and his return to the starting XI will be a welcome boost for United this weekend.
Carrick’s biggest selection headache is further forward, with the team crying out for the presence of a focal point at the top end of the pitch.
Benjamin Sesko has looked lively in his four appearances off the bench and he needs to be restored to the line-up at Craven Cottage.
Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes are guaranteed to start the game, leaving Carrick with a decision to make on the left flank.
Marcus Rashford was hugely frustrating against City, with his penchant for running down blind alleys on show throughout the game.
Matheus Cunha has also failed to sparkle during the early part of the season, but should be given the chance to start on the left-hand side.
Prediction: Fulham 1-3 Manchester United.
0 Comments