Prediction: Fulham vs Manchester United

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In desperate need of a domestic boost on Saturday lunchtime, Manchester United will travel to Craven Cottage when they meet Fulham.

Fulham

Starting with the hosts, while Fulham certainly faced a potential EFL Cup banana skin away at Championship high-flyers Ipswich in midweek, the Cottagers certainly laid down a real marker. Breezing their way to a 3-1 romp at Portman Road, Marco Silva’s side could be smelling the chance to spring a major Premier League upset here. Gaining a string of plaudits last season as they secured a top-half finish, the former Everton boss should find the mood in his camp at a real high. Suffering just a pair of defeats from any of their previous eight domestic appearances across all formats, Fulham will also be excited by their continued success on home soil. Last seen in west London cruising their way to a 3-1 win against leading relegation scrappers Sheffield United, Silva’s men have won four of their last five showdowns at Craven Cottage – a run that stems all the way back to August 19th.

Team News

Not making a single Premier League appearance since the end of August, Fulham will once again be unable to call upon defensive star Tosin Adrarabioyo on Saturday lunchtime. Likewise, the 26-year-old will be joined on the sidelines by former Wolves forward Adama Traore.

All handed a rest while on EFL Cup duties earlier in the week, the likes of Alex Iwobi, Raul Jimenez and Joao Palihinha will be given a full recall at Craven Cottage.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, crashing out of the EFL Cup earlier in the week following another nightmare display, Manchester United find themselves in the midst of a public crisis. Eventually getting hit with a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Newcastle, it is no secret that Erik ten Hag has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Likewise, suffering another 3-0 defeat at the hands of bitter local rivals Manchester City last weekend, the former Ajax boss faces a real uphill struggle. Making the trip to west London this weekend sat eight points adrift of breaking into the Champions League spots, United have quickly gained a reputation for their extended issues at the back. Losing back-to-back appearances over the past week by an aggregate score of 6-0, the Reds have also recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous seven outings across all competitions – a run that stems back to September 26th.

Team News

Still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Manchester United will once again be unable to call upon the defensive trio of Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Lisandro Martinez this weekend. However, ten Hag is hopeful that Raphael Varane will be able to make a timely return here.

While summer recruit Rasmus Hojlund might still be waiting to open his Premier League account, the 20-year-old will spearhead United’s charge at Craven Cottage on Saturday lunchtime. The Norweigan striker should be joined in the final third by England international Marcus Rashford.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met at Craven Cottage back on May 28th, Manchester United picked up a 2-1 victory.
• The Red Devils have won each of their previous three showdowns against Fulham by an aggregate score of 7-3.
• The Cottagers have won four of their previous five showdowns at Craven Cottage across all competitions.
• Manchester United have recorded just a single clean sheet from their previous seven appearances across all formats.
• Eight of the last nine meetings between Saturday’s opponents have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Enduring what has been a nightmare week at Old Trafford, it is no secret that Manchester United have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders here. Losing back-to-back appearances by an aggregate score of 6-0, ten Hag’s men have also gained a real reputation for their glaring defensive issues. Mustering just a single clean sheet across any competitions since the end of September, Fulham will be smelling the chance to lay down a heavyweight marker. It should be noted, with eight of the last nine meetings between Saturday’s opponents seeing both teams find the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet