Man Utd vs Fulham: Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Manchester United will look to get their first points on the board as they welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

United kicked off the new season with a disappointing 1-0 defeat away to Everton last weekend and Sir Alex Ferguson will be expecting his players to bounce straight back against the Cottagers.

Summer signing Robin van Persie is expected to make his first start following his move from Arsenal, with the Dutchman making a second half substitute appearance against the Toffees last week.

Fulham enjoyed a stunning start to the season with an impressive 5-0 win over Norwich at Craven Cottage, so go into the game at Old Trafford full of confidence.

Team News

Fergie has problems at the back with Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans all still ruled out through injury, while Phil Jones only returned to training on Friday and is not yet ready to return.

Nemanja Vidic was partned by Michael Carrick last week and despite Ferguson hinting he could move Patrice Evra across into the middle, Carrick is expected to continue at the back.

New signing Alexander Buttner is likely to start from the bench while Shinji Kagawa is in line to make his home debut.

Fulham boss Martin Jol will once again be without last season’s top goal scorer Clint Dempsey, who has been omitted after pushing for a move this summer.

Striker Mladen Petric made a dream start to life at Craven Cottage, scoring two goals on his debut last weekend and is expected to start alongside Bryan Ruiz once more.

Simon Davies and Zdenek Grygera could return after missing the Norwich game, but Kerim Frei and Philippe Senderos are still out.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

United have a superb recent record against Fulham, having won 4 and lost 0 of their last 5 Premier League games, and have kept clean sheets in all 4 victories. Despite Martin Jol’s men going into the game full of confidence, we can’t see past a United win. Man Utd 2-0 Fulham.

What would be your line-up? What do you think the score will be? Get involved in the comments section.

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