Fulham vs Man Utd: Key Players, Match Preview & Insights
Fulham vs Manchester United: Match Preview, what to expect, key players
Manchester United will seek to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage this evening. After falling to a defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion in their last league outing at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have found themselves struggling, having secured only one win in their last five league matches.
Currently sitting 13th in the standings, United’s position is precarious, as they are closer to the relegation zone than to a spot in European competitions. This makes their clash with Fulham all the more important as they look to claw back some much-needed momentum.
Match Preview
Historically, Manchester United boasts a strong record against Fulham, having lost only one of their last 18 league meetings. However, the current season has seen Fulham perform admirably against top-tier teams, with only Manchester City and United managing to hand them defeats. Fulham’s recent form at home has also been commendable, as they remain unbeaten in their last six games at Craven Cottage and have lost just once in their last 11 matches across all competitions.
Both teams appear to head into this fixture with a near-full complement of players. United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, will miss only Jonny Evans, Mason Mount, and Luke Shaw due to injury, while Fulham’s Marco Silva has a largely fit squad at his disposal, with only full-back Kenny Tete sidelined.
What to Expect
Fulham’s goal-scoring capabilities have been somewhat limited recently, managing only two goals in their last five league outings. Nevertheless, their style of play poses a significant challenge for Manchester United’s defense, which has faced its own issues this season.
Both teams average similar ball possession per game, suggesting that the match could be closely contested in terms of midfield control. Fulham’s reputation as the league’s long-ball specialists, averaging 20.2 long balls and 6.2 accurate crosses per game, indicates a tactical approach that could exploit United’s defensive vulnerabilities. Expect Fulham to rely on their proficiency in long balls and crossing to penetrate United’s defense.
Key Players
Fulham
Alex Iwobi has emerged as a crucial player for Fulham, ranking joint-first for the most league goal involvements. His ability to create big chances and deliver key passes per game makes him an essential threat against United’s backline.
Antonee Robinson is another player to watch; the left-back has been resilient both defensively and offensively, leading the Cottagers in assists this season. Manchester United must remain vigilant regarding his crossing ability.
Manchester United
Amad Diallo has found his scoring boots, netting four goals in his last three league appearances. His attacking prowess will be a vital component in United’s ambitions for victory, with manager Amorim hoping for another strong showing from the Ivorian winger.
Bruno Fernandes, known for his impact in crucial matches, scored the winning goal in United’s recent encounter against Rangers. Historically, he has performed well against Fulham, netting four goals in eight games, making him a key player to watch out for in this match.
For more detailed statistics and updates regarding this match, consider checking the latest information on platforms like BBC Sport.
Stats from bbc.com & sofascore.com
Article written by Henry Thornton.
