Soccer English Premier League Prediction

Manchester Utd vs Fulham - Match Preview

⚽ 28 May 2023 - 15:30 GMT +0

Erik ten Hag became just the fifth Manchester United manager in the club’s illustrious history to finish inside the top-four in his first season at the helm, as his side beat Chelsea 4-1 to book their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. The pressure is off on the final day for the Red Devils, who may prioritise preparation for the upcoming FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City over securing a third-place finish, which would be secured with a victory here.

They ought to be confident of doing so given they’re now unbeaten in an incredible 28 matches (W24, D4) at Old Trafford, with no side conceding fewer Premier League (PL) goals (nine) or keeping more clean sheets (11) on their own turf. Such eye-catching home form should fuel belief as they go in search of a victory that would equal the club record of 27 home wins in a season across all competitions.

Despite their mid-table fate being sealed for a while now, Fulham have banished any thought that they may be on the proverbial beach by stringing together a three-match unbeaten run (W2, D1). The Cottagers were “disappointed” to drop points in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last time out, according to boss Marco Silva, with that result guaranteeing they’ll finish tenth, their best season-ending position in the top-flight since 2012.

Fulham have already endured one nightmare visit to Old Trafford this season, with three red cards and a lengthy suspension to talisman Aleksandar Mitrović proving a painful way to exit the FA Cup. That sinking feeling has become familiar against United too, as Fulham haven’t won an away H2H since October 2003, while they’ve not beaten the Red Devils on any ground since December 2009 (D3, L13)!

📋 Players to watch: With the FA Cup final on the horizon, Alejandro Garnacho may earn a first start since March here and he netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner in this season’s reverse fixture. Fulham’s Willian was sent off on his last visit to Old Trafford and may be keen to make early amends here given he’s opened the scoring inside the first 30 minutes on his last three scoring appearances.

⚡ Hot stat: Since the opening day of the PL season, Man Utd have conceded just one first-half goal at Old Trafford.