The Matchday 23 Premier League clash between Fulham and Manchester United will take place on January 26 at Craven Cottage in London. Fulham vs. Manchester United: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Referee: Anthony Taylor (England)
Matches – 20 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 69;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 35%.
Predicted lineups for Fulham vs. Manchester United
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno – Calvin Bassey, Joachim Andersen, Antonee Robinson, Timothy Castagne – Sander Berge, Saša Lukić – Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi, Harry Wilson – Raul Jimenez.
Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Andre Onana – Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leni Yoro – Manuel Ugarte, Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo, Noussair Mazraoui – Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo – Joshua Zirkzee.
Starting lineups for each team in their previous match in this tournament.
Fulham
The Londoners have not won in three consecutive Premier League matches, drawing twice at home against Bournemouth and Ipswich (both 2-2), and losing away to West Ham (2-3). In the last round, Marco Silva's side ended this winless streak in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory away to Leicester. The club is mid-table and just four points away from the European competition zone.
Forward Reiss Nelson and defender Kenny Tete are out due to injuries.
- Both teams scored in 13 of Fulham's last 16 Premier League games.
- The number "2" has appeared in the final scoreline of Fulham's last five Premier League matches.
- At least two goals have been scored in the second half of Fulham's last five Premier League games.
Manchester United
In the last round, the Red Devils lost 1-2 to Brighton, marking their sixth home defeat in the current Premier League season. Interestingly, this hasn't happened to Manchester United since the 1893/94 season when they lost seven times after 12 home games. Additionally, the team has only one win in their last six Premier League matches (1 draw and 4 losses). Due to these results, Manchester United has dropped to 13th place, 11 points away from the European competition zone.
Defenders Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans, as well as midfielder Mason Mount, are out due to injuries. Notably, forward Antony Matheus has transferred to Betis.
- In the last 15 Premier League matches, fewer than two goals have not been scored.
- Manchester United has not won in 7 of their last 8 away Premier League games (4 draws and 3 losses).
- At least two goals have been scored in the second half of 9 of Manchester United's last 10 Premier League matches.
Fulham vs. Manchester United: Match Prediction
For possibly the first time this century, the Londoners are favorites against Manchester United in the Premier League, mainly due to the poor form of the visitors. A change in head coach has only worsened the once-formidable club's performance. It is unlikely that anything will drastically change in Manchester United's play within a week, so I also give a slight preference to the hosts, who are much more stable and have suffered only five defeats in the current championship.
At Craven Cottage, the Londoners are unbeaten in five matches, securing one win and four draws. They have shared points not only with Ipswich and Southampton but also with Arsenal. I won't risk suggesting a clean win for Fulham here. It's also worth noting that Manchester United performs poorly away, winning only three of their last 16 Premier League away games (6 draws and 7 losses). It is noticeable that the Red Devils are much better motivated against top Premier League clubs, while they tend to lose or draw against mid-table and lower-ranked teams.
My prediction – Fulham with a handicap (0)
