Let us take a look at the team news as Manchester United aim to secure third place in the Premier League standings as they prepare to host Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday. The Red Devils would be looking to conclude the Premier League season on a winning note with the FA Cup final coming up next week.
When Erik Ten Hag took charge of the club, he promised to restore the glorious days of the club. And this debut season has been a positive step in that direction. United secured their place in Champions League by delivering a remarkable 4-1 victory against Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Fulham, currently positioned 10th in the league, will approach the game following a 2-2 draw against local rivals Crystal Palace in their previous outing. The priority for Manchester United will be getting to Wembley for the FA Cup final with a full strength squad and it’s likely that some key starters will be rested against Fulham.
Injury/Suspension List:
Fulham coach Marco Silva will continue working with the same set of players who were available for the Crystal Palace game, as there isn’t any new injury reports. However, there are still a few players who will be absent, including Andreas Pereira (ankle), Tim Ream (arm), and Layvin Kurzawa (knee).
In addition, Daniel James has missed Fulham’s last two matches due to a thigh issue. Despite Carlos Vinicius’ impressive performance of scoring three goals in his last four Premier League games, Aleksandar Mitrovic is expected to start in their final match of the season.
Meanwhile, for the Red Devils, the extent of Antony’s injury sustained during the match against Chelsea is yet to be determined, putting the Brazilian at a potential risk of missing the FA Cup final scheduled for the following weekend. Luke Shaw was also substituted at halftime due to a back issue and considering United’s secure position in the top-four, he might not be risked further to prioritize his recovery.
Fortunately, Marcus Rashford is expected to recover from his illness in time. However, several players will remain sidelined including Lisandro Martinez, Tom Heaton, Donny van de Beek , Marcel Sabitzer, and Phil Jones. Considering Rashford’s return, Anthony Martial might have to make way after expressing dissatisfaction when being substituted in the Bournemouth match.
Player To Watch Out For – Carlos Vincius
One of Vinícius’ notable skills is his physicality. Standing at 6’3″ (1.91m) tall, he uses his size and strength to his advantage when battling against defenders. The forward is adept at holding up the ball and shielding it from opponents, allowing his teammates to join the attack and creating scoring opportunities.
The Brazilian striker also displays good aerial ability, making him a threat in the air. He times his jumps well and can out-muscle defenders to win headers, providing an additional dimension to his attacking play. His aerial prowess makes him a valuable asset in set-piece situations and crosses into the box.
Furthermore, Vinícius showcases good technical skills for a player of his size. He has decent ball control and can bring the ball down effectively, even when faced with tight marking. Vinícius is capable of executing quick turns and dribbles, using his agility to evade defenders and create space for himself or his teammates.
Manchester United Form:
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Fulham Form:
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Manchester United Probable Line-up (4-2-3-1) :
David de Gea (GK); Diogo Dalot (RB), Victor Lindelof (CB), Harry Maguire (CB), Tyrell Malacia (LB); Casemiro (CM), Fred (CM); Jadon Sancho (RW), Bruno Fernandes (CAM), Marcus Rashford (LW); Anthony Martial (ST).
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Predicted Score:
Manchester United 2-0 Fulham
Despite acknowledging the impressive performance by Fulham in the Premier League this season, Manchester United should be expected to secure a convincing victory in this match. Considering their recent form at Old Trafford, where they have consistently scored two or more goals in 16 consecutive home games.
Furthermore, Fulham have shown a vulnerability in conceding inexpensive goals, which suggests that Manchester United should find this match relatively straightforward.
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