Sabasports Match Preview
Premier League:
Manchester United vs Fulham
Kickoff Time: 2024-02-24
23:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/HANNAH
MCKAY
On the day before Christmas,
James Ratcliffe acquired a 25% stake in Manchester United, and since then, the
club’s fortunes and performance have experienced a significant turnaround.
Manchester United began their resurgence with a comeback victory against Aston
Villa on Boxing Day, and since then, they have collected 16 points in the past
seven league matches, advancing to the top 16 of the FA Cup. During this
period, Manchester United scored 17 goals, effectively improving their
offensive performance and turning their goal difference in the Premier League
into a positive figure. One standout player during this run has been
21-year-old striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has scored in the past
six games, making him the youngest player in Premier League history to achieve
such a feat. Manchester United’s recent success can also be attributed to
tactical changes. With Lisandro Martinez injured, manager Erik ten Hag
introduced Casemiro, who had previously been overlooked. After a period of
intensive training, Casemiro regained his physical fitness and made a
significant impact. Additionally, Ten Hag lost faith in striker Antony and
opted to start Alejandro Garnacho in his place. The outstanding performances of
players like Garnacho and Casemiro have been pivotal in Manchester United’s ability
to consistently secure points.
After being eliminated
from the FA Cup, Fulham’s primary objective is to avoid relegation. Currently,
they are nine points clear of the relegation zone, and relegation is not a
pressing concern. As a result, Fulham have been playing with an open approach
in recent games, prioritizing offensive tactics over defensive ones. This style
of play has led to both Fulham and their opponents having numerous shooting
opportunities. In the last four league matches, Fulham have averaged 15.5 shots
per game, while their opponents have averaged as high as 17.5 shots per game.
This tactic carries both advantages and risks. If the forward players are in
good form, it can lead to goals and positive results. However, if the forwards
struggle, it leaves Fulham’s defense vulnerable to the opponent’s attacks. In
the upcoming game, Fulham will face certain challenges due to injuries.
Midfielder Joao Palhinha will be suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, and
key striker Raul Jimenez will remain sidelined due to injury. These absences
will prevent Fulham from fielding their strongest lineup and significantly
reduce their offensive sharpness.
Manchester United are
indeed known for their proficiency in quick counterattacks. In recent games, their
forward players have shown excellent competitiveness and have been adept at
capitalizing on opportunities. Fulham’s tactical style, which involves playing
openly and giving their opponents shooting opportunities, aligns well with
Manchester United’s strengths. In the previous 18 encounters between the them,
Manchester United have consistently found the net. Taking into account
Manchester United’s overall superior strength and Fulham’s injury concerns, it
is reasonable to expect that Manchester United would have an advantage in this
match-up.
Manchester United’s Last
5 Games: WWWWW
24-02-19 Luton Town 1-2
Manchester United
24-02-12 Aston Villa 1-2
Manchester United
24-02-04 Manchester
United 3-0 West Ham United
24-02-02 Wolves 3-4
Manchester United
24-01-29 Newport County
2-4 Manchester United
Fulham’s Last 5 Games:
LWDDL
24-02-17 Fulham 1-2 Aston
Villa
24-02-10 Fulham 3-1
Bournemouth
24-02-03 Burnley 2-2
Fulham
24-01-31 Fulham 0-0
Everton
24-01-28 Fulham 0-2
Newcastle United
Head To Head Record:
23-11-04 Fulham 0-1
Manchester United
23-05-28 Manchester
United 2-1 Fulham
23-03-20 Manchester
United 3-1 Fulham
22-11-14 Fulham 1-2
Manchester United
21-05-19 Manchester
United 1-1 Fulham
Prediction: Manchester United to win