Fulham v Manchester United Premier League preview

A great result from Fulham midweek in Basle saw them qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League. Their fans will be hoping it didn’t take too much out of their players ahead of a trip from Manchester United on Saturday.

Fulham

Some slack marking allowed Bobby Zamora to help himself to 2 goals for Fulham before half time as they went on to win 3-2 in sub-zero temperatures in Switzerland. Only 5 players started both that game and the one at Burnley last weekend, with Clint Dempsey and Damien Duff making substitute appearances on Wednesday. Bjorn Helge Riise provided both crosses from which Zamora scored, while Zoltan Gera’s cool finish wrapped the game up. Both players will be pushing for starts here if fully recovered. I’m being cautious on Fulham’s fitness because Roy Hodgson has made several changes to his side for Europa League fixtures which says to me all of his players don’t come back 100%. Brede Hangeland was rested while Dempsey and Duff were brought on late to secure the game. A case of wrapping your stars in cotton wool. Domestically Fulham are in good form, picking up 8 points from their last 4 games; 3 of those at home. They’re 9th in the league coming into this weekend’s fixtures and Hodgson can feel very proud of his side’s performances so far this season. They ended an 8 game losing streak to Manchester United in the Premier League with a shock 2-0 victory here last season, aided by Paul Scholes’ 18th minute red card. They had been completely outplayed and beat 4-0 in the FA Cup just 2 weeks before.

Form
LWDWD

Injuries/Suspensions
Simon Davies
Diomansy Kamara

Manchester United

Failing to take advantage of Chelsea dropping points at home to Everton last week and ended up losing 1 point on the leaders. They made up for it midweek with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Wolves but it’s important they don’t drop any more points before Chelsea. This should be their last potentially tricky game of the year before games with Hull and Wigan to see the year out. I say potentially tricky based on Fulham’s recent form and good defence, and with United not greatly impressing up front. Aston Villa’s well-organised defence shut them out last weekend and Fulham are capable of doing the same to teams. Whether they can shut out the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Antonio Valencia remains to be seen. One player who stepped up on Wednesday and looks to have a bright future ahead of him is Darron Gibson. Already a player with a reputation at Manchester United for long range shoot, he also has set piece and passing ability. He looks capable of helping out their attack for the remainder of this season and the future. I don’t see him heading back into the reserves any time soon as was the case with Federico Macheda. He was drafted into my fantasy team midweek and is staying there this week (not just because of financial problems) as I sense United scoring from outside the box in this one. And it’s been a while since Wayne Rooney last did that. Defensive problems are easing with Nemanja Vidic getting back into form. Michael Carrick has slotted in well at the back but is missed in midfield. Darren Fletcher could be reverted back to a holding midfielder to divert the dangers of Clint Dempsey’s runs from the centre of midfield which would explain Ritchie De Laet getting a start at right back against Wolves. Patrice Evra needs to keep Damien Duff in check also but I expect Fulham to play very defensively in this one.

Form
WWWLW

Injuries/Suspensions
Wes Brown
Gary Neville
John O’Shea
Jonny Evans
Rio Ferdinand
Owen Hargreaves

Despite their recent domination over Fulham, I still see this as a potential banana skin for Manchester United. They’ve not looked as threatening up front as in the past as they come up against a well-organised defence this weekend. However if Fulham can’t get enough possession in United’s half and are forced to sit back in their own half, I would expect the pressure to eventually take it’s toll. A 3pm kickoff for Manchester United means its not on TV to aid with in-play betting. Despite what I said, I am going to tip Manchester United to pick up the 3 points.

Best bet: Manchester United to win 8/13