Manchester United want to go into the break with a win
The last matchday before the World Cup break is upon us in the English Premier League. Manchester United, just like Fulham on the host side, want to go into this break with a good feeling. But for that to happen, a win is also needed.
Before the game Fulham vs Manchester United, the betting odds indicate a favourite role for the guests from Manchester. The Red Devils of course have the higher individual class, but that is not the only relevant thing.
However, the bookmakers show in the Fulham vs. Manchester United prediction that the promoted team at Craven Cottage is by no means without a chance. Fulham have already been able to upset one or two favourites anyway.
Fulham – Statistics & current form
Fulham is extremely complicated to play against for a promoted team. Marco Silva, the Cottagers’ coach, has given this team an identity all of its own. The 4-2-3-1 is well-rehearsed and even the absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has scored nine goals, has been compensated for. Last weekend, Fulham almost took a point against Manchester City, but shortly before the end of the game, a penalty ensured the Citizens’ victory.
Fulham have lost only one of their last five games, which shows how well this team is on the road. The promoted team went into the matchday in fifth place, with 19 points on their account after 14 games. This record reads more than decent for a promoted team. The Cottagers also scored 23 goals, which puts them in the midfield in England.
At home, Fulham have laid the foundation for their good record so far. The team has only lost one of seven home games, and that was against Newcastle. Liverpool were held to a draw here, and Brighton and Aston Villa were beaten, for example. If Manchester United are not warned because of that, then the visitors have only themselves to blame.
Fulham: Now comes the fearful opponent
For Fulham, though, Manchester United are something of a fearful opponent. The Cottagers have only managed to win two of 25 league games against Manchester United, a record they are now desperate to improve. One means of achieving this could be crosses. The hosts have scored nine goals directly from crosses and have the best record in the league. Even without the powerful Mitrovic, this is an important and effective tool.
Besides, a game without conceding a goal would be advisable once again, so far there have been three. Manchester United, however, come with a well-stocked attack, so everything has to be right. Nevertheless, compactness should be a key to forcing the Red Devils into a close and contested game.
Fulham are difficult to play against, but individually inferior, so before the game Fulham vs Manchester United our prediction is that the visitors will not lose and that the total will be less than 4.5 goals.
Predicted Fulham line-up:
Leno – Mbabu, Diop, Adarabioyo, Robinson – Palhinha, Reed, Cairney, Andreas, James – Carlos Vinicius
Last matches played by Fulham:
Premier League
05/11/2022 – Manchester City 2 – 1 Fulham
29/10/2022 – Fulham 0 – 0 Everton
23/10/2022 – Leeds 2 – 3 Fulham
21/10/2022 – Fulham 3 – 0 Aston Villa
15/10/2022 – Fulham 2 – 2 Bournemouth
Manchester United – Statistics & current form
Everything should be better at Manchester United this season. Some elements have indeed changed under coach Erik ten Hag, but even the Dutchman had to learn something. Hara-kiri football and high pressing will not be rewarded, at least not at this stage of development under the new coach. The return to pragmatism at least produced some good results.
23 points from 13 games and a goal difference of -1 reflect the status quo quite well. Because other clubs are also stumbling, Manchester United at least hold a place in the top 5. The Red Devils are now hoping for a win at Craven Cottage and the next developmental steps under ten Hag when the World Cup tournament is over. However, they are currently already eleven points behind first place.
In the current season, things don’t look so good as far as own goals are concerned. Rashford is the best scorer in the league with four goals, in general there have been 18 goals in 13 games so far. Of the top teams, that is the weakest in the Premier League. 19 goals conceded is also not good, even if ten of them were conceded against Manchester City and Brentford.
Manchester United strong against promoted side
The visitors, however, have also played to nil on five occasions. Only the top three teams so far, consequently Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle, have kept nil more often. Furthermore, the Red Devils have a very good record against promoted teams. Only one of the last 18 games against newcomers in the Premier League was lost by this team.
That should actually be a good omen, anyway, the team has presented itself very neatly in recent weeks and has had only a few weak phases. Last weekend’s defeat against Aston Villa was a problem, however, because the team fell back into old patterns and offered far too much, was sloppy in the build-up and erratic in the play in the offensive third. Nevertheless, many factors point to a good performance by the visitors, which is why our value tip before the Fulham v Manchester United match is that the visitors will leave the pitch as winners.
Predicted Manchester United line-up:
De Gea – Dalot, Maguire, Lindelöf, Shaw – Casemiro, Fred, Fernandes, Eriksen – Rashfod, Ronaldo
Last matches played by Manchester United:
Carabao Cup
11/11/2022 – Manchester United 4 – 2 Aston Villa
Premier League
06/11/2022 – Aston Villa 3 – 1 Manchester United
Europa League Grp. E
04/11/2022 – Real Sociedad 0 – 1 Manchester United
Premier League
30/10/2022 – Manchester United 1 – 0 West Ham
Europa League Grp. E
28/10/2022 – Manchester United 3 – 0 FC Sheriff
Fulham – Manchester United Direct Comparison / H2H Balance
The two teams have faced each other in 83 games so far and when looking at their record, it becomes clear why the Red Devils are something of a fearsome opponent for Fulham. Manchester United have won 52 games against this opponent so far, only 13 times the Cottagers came off as winners. 2020/21 saw a 2-1 win for United, plus a draw. These were the last duels.
Fulham – Manchester United Tip
Manchester United travel to London as favourites, have good odds against promoted teams and have been at least rock solid on the road in recent weeks. Everything didn’t work out, of course, but the visitors have a good base, at least for the battle for fourth place.
Based on the omens and statistics, our tip before the match Fulham vs Manchester United is that the visitors will not lose, but that the total will be less than 4.5 goals.
