G
Garrynum
Guest
Despite being seen as trailing behind rivals Manchester City and Liverpool by new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United's hopes of clinching a top-four spot have surged recently with a string of impressive victories.
Their winning streak includes triumphs over Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United, Aston Villa, and a 2-1 win against Luton Town last weekend, where Rasmus Hojlund shined with two early goals. Erik ten Hag's team currently holds sixth place in the Premier League standings, closely trailing Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.
Ahead of the upcoming Manchester derby, Manchester United remains focused on their clash with Fulham, where they hold a strong record with 13 wins and three draws in their last 16 Premier League meetings.
A victory for Manchester United would mark a perfect record for the month, a feat they haven't achieved since January 2009. On the other hand, Fulham enters the match following a 2-1 home defeat against Aston Villa, highlighting their struggles to maintain consistency throughout the season.
With the second-worst away record in the league, Fulham faces a tough challenge at Old Trafford, where they have historically found little success, winning only once in their last 16 away encounters with Manchester United.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Manchester United has received a significant setback with Luke Shaw facing an extended spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury recurrence suffered in the last weekend's victory against Luton. Alongside Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka (with an unspecified injury), Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia (both with knee issues), Anthony Martial (groin), and Mason Mount (calf) are also undergoing treatment.Victor Lindelof appears to be the top choice to fill in for Shaw at left-back, although Sofyan Amrabat remains an option given his previous experience in that position earlier this season. The rest of the defense is expected to feature Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, and Harry Maguire.
In midfield and attack, Ten Hag is likely to maintain continuity with Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes supporting Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Hojlund.
On the Fulham side, star midfielder Joao Palhinha will be sidelined for two matches due to suspension following accumulated yellow cards. His absence opens up opportunities for Harrison Reed, Sasa Lukic, or Alex Iwobi to fill the midfield alongside Tom Cairney.
Fulham will also miss striker Raul Jimenez due to a thigh injury, while Kenny Tete and Chelsea loanee Armando Broja will undergo assessments before kickoff after missing the previous match against Aston Villa due to calf issues and illness, respectively.
In defense, Calvin Bassey is vying for a return at center-back over Issa Diop, while Harry Wilson and Adama Traore are competing with Bobby De Cordova-Reid for a starting spot on the right flank, with Willian expected to operate on the left and Muniz likely leading the attack.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester United possible starting lineup:Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Lindelof; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Cairney, Iwobi; De Cordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Muniz
EXPERT PREDICTION
Fulham 2-2 Manchester United
Fulham's ongoing struggle to secure wins away from home is a worrying factor. Despite their competitive showing in the previous encounter with Manchester United, it's hard to bet against the resurgence of Ten Hag's team, particularly with the support of an enthusiastic crowd at Old Trafford.
