After 6 defeats in the last 8 games, it is as good as a ‘must-win’ game for the Red Devils in order to keep their fight for Champions League football next season alive. With the addition of Juan Mata to the side, David Moyes would’ve hoped for some improvements in results but that’s yet to happen for the United manager.
After a win over Cardiff City at home, Manchester United suffered a very disheartening defeat at the Britannia Stadium against Stoke City having lost to two long range efforts from Charlie Adam. On the other hand, Fulham suffered a 0-3 loss at home against Southampton after a blunt performance for the Cottagers.
Team News:
Manchester United will be without the service of Phil Jones, Johnny Evans who got taken off during the game against Stoke City. AlsoRio Ferdinand’s nagging knee injury still keeps him on the sidelines along with long-term absentee Marouane Fellaini and Luis Nani.
Fulham themselves have injury concerns over new boy Mitroglou and also will be hoping that Sascha Reither and Kieran Richardson are fit. John Arne Risse is also a doubt for the away side after being out for 3-games already.
What to expect :
The defeat away at Stoke City will not be taken lightly and it might result in a very brutal response by the Red Devils who finally have both their strikers back with Wayne Rooney and Van Persie fully fit. Fulham on the other hand have not been known for their away performances and at Old Trafford, there’s not much to change it seems either.
Expect Manchester United to run riot with an early goal to calm the nerves and then to sustain it comfortably throughout the game.
Predictions:
The Cottagers will have to play out of their skins to get anything of this encounter, lest they will be buried within the first half itself. United should look to win convincingly as anything less than that will raise eyebrows and cause concerns
Manchester United 3 – 0 Fulham
