Sabasports
Match Preview
Premier
League: Fulham vs Manchester United
Kickoff
Time: 2023-11-04 20:30 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/CHRIS
RADBURN
Last
season, Fulham heavily relied on Aleksandar Mitrovic as their key player, with
their tactics centred around him. Mitrovic possessed exceptional aerial ability
and was a strong competitor in the Premier League. Fulham often utilised long
passes to find Mitrovic, capitalising on his heading skills to attack the goal
or provide assists. Since Mitrovic’s move to the Saudi Professional League,
Fulham had to find a replacement, and they turned to Raul Jimenez, who stands
at 1.88 meters tall. Jimenez, at his peak, displayed good header ability.
However, after suffering a serious head injury, his form and condition have not
been as impressive as before. He has yet to score a goal in the league this
season. During matches, Jimenez struggles to win aerial duels and frequently
goes to ground easily upon contact. As an example, in the last round of the
league, his success rate in duels was only 33%. Throughout the season, he has
averaged a mere two successful aerial duels per game. Fulham’s ground-based
attacking ability was already limited, and with the loss of their aerial
advantage, their tactics have become less effective and less cohesive.
Source:REUTERS/MOLLY
DARLINGTON
After
suffering a defeat in the Manchester derby and being eliminated from the EFL
Cup by Newcastle United, Coach Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure and
there are speculations about his potential sacking. The outcome of the upcoming
game may play a significant role in determining his future at the club. On a
positive note for Manchester United, Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have
returned from their injuries. Additionally, key players such as Bruno Fernandes
and Marcus Rashford were rested in the midweek EFL Cup match, allowing them to
be fresh for the upcoming game. Reflecting on the midweek EFL Cup fixture,
Manchester United actually performed well, but their opponents had the fortune
of scoring two goals from long-range shots. Ten Hag’s strategy heavily relies
on wing attacks, central support, Bruno Fernandes’ playmaking abilities, the speed
of Rashford and Antony, and the aerial presence of Rasmus Hojlund. The
effectiveness of these elements will be crucial in determining the outcome of
the game.
The
injury of Fulham defender Issa Diop has indeed affected their ability to play
from the back. Manchester United, with their superior individual abilities,
hold an advantage in this aspect. If Manchester United maintain a persistent
pressing approach, it is likely that Fulham will make mistakes under pressure.
Based on these factors, it is reasonable to believe that Manchester United can
defeat Fulham and make a strong comeback.
Fulham’s
Last 5 Games: WDLWL
23-11-02
Ipswich Town 1-3 Fulham
23-10-29
Brighton 1-1 Fulham
23-10-24
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Fulham
23-10-07
Fulham 3-1 Sheffield United
23-10-03
Fulham 0-2 Chelsea
Manchester
United’s Last 5 Games: LLWWW
23-11-02
Manchester United 0-3 Newcastle United
23-10-29
Manchester United 0-3 Manchester City
23-10-25
Manchester United 1-0 FC Copenhagen
23-10-22
Sheffield United 1-2 Manchester United
23-10-07
Manchester United 2-1 Brentford
Head
To Head Record:
23-05-28
Manchester United 2-1 Fulham
23-03-20
Manchester United 3-1 Fulham
22-11-14
Fulham 1-2 Manchester United
21-05-19
Manchester United 1-1 Fulham
21-01-21
Fulham 1-2 Manchester United
Prediction: Manchester United to win