By Man Utd vs Fulham: Preview, Predictions and Lineups
The 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off on Friday night as Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils aim to improve on last season’s eighth-place finish, while Marco Silva’s Cottagers look to build on their previous campaign’s success.
Match Details:
– Date: Friday, 16 August 2024
– Kick-off: 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
– Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
– Referee: Robert Jones
– VAR: Jarred Gillett
Recent Head-to-Head (Last 5 Games):
– Manchester United: 4 wins
– Fulham: 1 win
– Draws: 0
– Last meeting: Manchester United 1-2 Fulham (24 February 2024)
Team News:
Manchester United:
– New signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui are available for selection
– Leny Yoro is sidelined with a foot injury
– Rasmus Hojlund is out until after the September international break
– Fitness concerns for Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof
Predicted Manchester United lineup (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Mount, Rashford; Fernandes
Fulham:
– No injury concerns reported
– Joao Palhinha, Tim Ream, and Tosin Adarabioyo have departed the club
– New signing Emile Smith Rowe likely to start
Predicted Fulham lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Lukic; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz
Match Prediction:
Despite injury concerns, Manchester United’s proactive transfer window should give them an edge over a Fulham side in transition. Expect a closely contested match with United’s quality ultimately prevailing.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Fulham
This season opener promises to be an intriguing clash as both teams look to start their campaigns on a positive note. Man Utd will aim to leverage their home advantage and new signings, while Fulham will seek to repeat their upset victory from last season at Old Trafford.
