Sabasports Match Preview
Premier League: Manchester United vs Fulham
Kickoff Time: 2024-08-17 03:00 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Toby Melville
This summer, Manchester United made significant signings in the transfer market. First, they acquired 23-year-old Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bayern Munich. Then, they signed 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro from Lille. Unfortunately, Yoro suffered an injury during a warm-up match and will need three months of rest. However, Manchester United later secured the defensive duo of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. In addition, Jadon Sancho returned to the team from Borussia Dortmund, and he reconciled with head coach Erik ten Hag. Overall, Manchester United’s strength has noticeably improved. In the previous Community Shield match, Manchester United drew 1-1 with Manchester City in regular time. Unfortunately, they lost 6-7 to Manchester City in a penalty shootout. However, their performance was commendable, and the team’s overall condition is quite good.
This summer, Fulham broke their transfer record by acquiring English midfielder Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal for 40 million euros. It is worth mentioning that Fulham achieved a decent record of two wins and one loss in three warm-up matches held in August. During this period, Smith Rowe scored two goals and performed exceptionally well. Fulham primarily plays in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with attacking players such as Harry Wilson, Alex Iwobi, and Raul Jimenez, who have strong abilities to create chances and score goals. However, Fulham has obvious flaws in defense, especially in wing defense. It remains to be seen if they can withstand Manchester United’s attacks. Additionally, Fulham’s away performance is weaker compared to their home games.
In terms of overall strength and transfer activity this summer, Manchester United is far superior to Fulham. Moreover, Manchester United has historically dominated their encounters with Fulham. With the advantage of playing at home in the opening game of the new Premier League season, it is reasonable to expect Manchester United to secure a victory and start off on a positive note.
Manchester United’s Last 5 Games: DLWLW
24-08-10 Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United (PEN 7-6)
24-08-04 Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
24-08-01 Manchester United 3-2 Real Betis
24-01-28 Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
24-07-20 Rangers 0-2 Manchester United
Fulham’s Last 5 Games: WLWWW
24-08-10 Hoffenheim 0-2 Fulham
24-08-06 Fulham 1-2 Sevilla
24-08-03 Benfica 0-1 Fulham
24-07-31 Cobham 1-2 Fulham
24-05-19 Luton Town 2-4 Fulham
Head To Head Record:
24-02-24 Manchester United 1-2 Fulham
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
Prediction: Manchester United to win