Preview
- Date – Friday, August 16, 2024
- Kick-off Time – 08:00 pm GMT
- Venue – Old Trafford
Manchester United will host Fulham in their opening game of the 2024/25 Premier League season at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are expected to secure a comfortable victory in their opening game of the English top-flight after suffering a narrow defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Hosts Man Utd finished eighth in the Premier League and almost missed European qualification but an FA Cup victory against bitter rivals Man City have saved Erik ten Hag’s job in his second season at the club. United’s ambitious new owners have recently completed deals for centre-back Matthijs de Ligt and right-back Noussair Mazraoui in an attempt to bolster the defensive side which has been dreadful in the past few years.
Meanwhile, Fulham were commendable last season after finishing 13th in the Premier League despite losing their star forward Aleksandar Mitrović. It has been quite a journey for the London side who have experienced significant departures in the past two transfer windows. They have strengthened their squad with a few astute acquisitions across their team.
Team News
Man Utd Team News
Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag will face a familiar defensive crisis in United’s opening game of the 2024/25 campaign. Summer signing Leny Yoro has been sidelined for three months with a foot injury. Veterans Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Victor Lindelof whereas Harry Maguire is still a few days away from full fitness. But new signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui could make their debuts in this tie.
Fulham Team News
On the other hand, Fulham have a fully fit squad as the opening game of the Premier League season approaches. New signing Emile Smith Rowe will deputize in midfield alongside Andreas Pereira and Sasa Lukic. Issa Diop and Calvin Bassey is expected to nail a spot in the heart of defense.
Predicted Lineups
Man Utd Predicted Lineup:
Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
Fulham Predicted Lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Reed; Iwobi, Pereira, Smith Rowe; Muniz
Head-to-Head
Man Utd have the upper hand in terms of the head-to-head between the two sides, having won 56 of their 91 previous meetings. Fulham have won 15 matches while the remaining 20 games have ended in a draw.
Last five results:
Man Utd 1-2 Fulham – Premier League – February 24, 2024
Fulham 0-1 Man Utd– Premier League – November 04, 2023
Man Utd 2-1 Fulham – Premier League – May 28, 2023
Man Utd 3-1 Fulham – FA Cup – March 19, 2023
Fulham 1-2 Man Utd – Premier League – November 13, 2022
Man Utd vs Fulham Prediction
The hosts are missing some crucial players in this tie, so it won’t be a straightforward win for the Red Devils. They are coming off a defeat in the Community Shield at the hands of Manchester City. They will enter this game with full confidence after making some significant signing in the summer window. After a miserable campaign despite winning the FA Cup in the 2023/24 season, United have been active to address the deficiencies that plagued them last season.
Meanwhile, Fulham who finished 13th in the Premier League last season beat United 2-1 at Old Trafford earlier this year. The visitors have enough quality to find a goal when it matters. They will look to get the campaign underway with a win or a draw despite their miserable record against the hosts.
Predicted Score: Man Utd 2-0 Fulham
Betting tips and Odds (subject to change)
- Man Utd win – 1.56
- Fulham win – 5.75
- Draw – 4.40
- Odds source – Unibet
Where to Watch Man Utd vs Fulham Live?
Q. Where to watch Man Utd vs Fulham live in India?
The Man Utd vs Fulham game will be televised on Star Sports/Disney+ Hotstar.
Q. Where to watch Man Utd vs Fulham live game in UK?
The game between Man Utd vs Fulham will be live on Sky Sports in UK.
Q. Where to watch Man Utd vs Fulham in USA?
The match between Man Utd vs Fulham will be live across NBC platforms.
Q. Where to watch Man Utd vs Fulham game in Portugal?
The Man Utd vs Fulham game will be live on Sport TV2 for Portugal fans.
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