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Manchester United FC v/s Fulham FC
Old Trafford
Kick Off : 15:00 BST, 19:30 IST(Saturday, 25th Aug 2012),
Referee - Kevin Friend
United will be looking to get back to winning ways,after they were handed an upset defeat at the hands of Everton last week.Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking to put his best team on the pitch to secure the three vital points,failing to do which would put United six points behind the current table-toppers ,Chelsea.But,Fulham will be no easy opponents,who will be coming into this match high on confidence, after thumping Norwich City 5-0 in last week’s encounter.
The last time these two sides met at Old Trafford, was in March earlier this year,when English forward Wayne Rooney secured the win for his side by scoring the lone goal of the match.
Team preview :
Manchester United :
Sir Alex will have a big job on his hands securing a home win after an opening game loss.The conditions aren’t better compared to the last week, with Evans, Jones, Smalling and Ferdinand still out injured, though Jonny Evans is rumoured to make a comeback. Ferguson has hinted that new signing, Buttner, will be involved in the match. He is expected to be on the bench, with Valencia and Carrick completing the back-four along with Vidic and Evra.
We should also see van Persie starting his first game at Old Trafford. The manager may choose to go with Rooney, rather than Welbeck, to be the Dutchman’s partner. Kagawa should start after a good debut at Goodison Park, though Nani may have to sit out, after a very poor performance. Young should play under that circumstances.
United have not lost their opening team games since defeats against Sheffield United and Everton in the inaugural 1992-93 Premier League season. Though they went on to win the title that year, but they would definitely not be hoping for a defeat, and giving themselves a Herculean task again.
Manchester United (Possible, 4-3-2-1): De Gea, Valencia, Vidic, Carrick, Evra, Cleverly, Scholes, Kagawa,Young, Rooney, Van Persie
Fulham :
The Cottagers will be hoping to continue from where they left off, which will be a historic feat, given their past record of four losses in the last five games that they have played against the Red Devils. Manager Martin Jol has cofirmed that Dempsey will not be playing any part in this fixture. Fulham have already lodged a complaint against Liverpool for their conduct in the pursuit of the USA forward. Jol has said that Dempsey is not in a state to play.
Petric and Ruiz should start after having a good game against Norwich. Kerim Frei (pelvis) and Philippe Senderos (foot) are unavailable, while Grygera (knee) and Davies are doubtful.
Fulham (Possible, 4-3-3): Schwarzer, Riether, Hangeland, Hughes, Riise, Diarra, Dembele, Kacaniklic, Duff, Ruiz, Petric.
Prediction:
Despite last week’s results,United are favourites to walk away with three points on their home turf.They will have to defend better though.Fulham will hope to have a good game and salvage a point in what can be said to be a tough away fixture for them.
Fulham 1 – 3 Manchester United
