After the wonderful display last Saturday, whereby Norwich were put to the sword, Fulham take the long trip to Old Trafford this Saturday to take on a United side that lost their opening fixture. Making it two defeats in a row for the team that finished second last season could be a task too far, but you just never know.
Vital Quotes:
Martin Jol takes his troops to the north-west without the want-away Clint Dempsey. Once again the transfer speculation surrounding the American international has seen him left out of the squad with Jol remarking about the situation:-
It` the same situation. There has been no formal bid on the table and nothing has changed.”
Meaning that Clint still doesn`t see his future at Craven Cottage.
United Team News:
Following his sides defeat at Goodison Park, on Monday night, Sir Alex could make some changes. Van Persie could get a first start and Ashley Young may be given a starting place. What is certain though is that United will still be without four potential centre-backs with Ferdinand, Jones, Evans and the Fulham old-boy, Smalling, all still recovering from injury.
Player to watch: Shinji Kagawa
A recent acquisition from the Bundesliga, this Japanese international comes with glowing references, definitely one to watch.
Fulham Team News:
Martin Jol will, once again, have to do without his want-away striker-cum-midfielder Clint Dempsey with talk of a move putting the American in the wrong frame of mind.
Fresh from the thrilling win over Norwich City last weekend, we`re of the belief that as long as nobody has picked up an injury, it may very well be the same starting eleven as for the Noriwch game.
Player to watch: Mladen Petric
Scored a brace on his debut in the Premier League, can he score at Old Trafford? I guess we`re about to see!
Match Facts & Stats
Considering our past record at Old Trafford, it`s perhaps a wise move to skip this segment and move on to the next!
Ref Watch:
The officials in charge for this fixture are;-
Referee – Kevin Friend
Assistants – M. Mullarky and J.Flynn
Fourth Official – P. Gibbs
Match Prediction:
Old Trafford is always a difficult place to visit and it could be even more so after United lost their opening fixture. Whisper it quietly but I`d settle for a draw right now, how about you?
Next Fixtures:
A trip to Upton Park beckons next weekend for a London derby with West Ham.
