Fulham vs Man United Bet Builder Tips, Stats, Best Bets, Predictions

Last season, Fulham collected more points on the road than they did at Craven Cottage. Their defensive record at home was concerning, as they conceded 30 goals across 19 games – both teams to score landed in 14 of those fixtures, with chances aplenty at both ends of the pitch. That same trend has already carried into the new campaign, with BTTS landing in Fulham’s opening match after Rodrigo Muniz struck a dramatic 97th-minute equaliser.

Manchester United, meanwhile, were unfortunate to lose against Arsenal in their opener, but defensive issues are still apparent. A goalkeeping howler from Altay Bayindir gifted Arsenal the only goal of the game, and while the Red Devils have been heavily linked with a new shot-stopper, no deal has yet materialised, meaning the Turkish international is expected to retain his place in between the sticks. On the attacking front, United looked much sharper and were unlucky not to score from 1.52 xG.

Contrastingly, Fulham were rather fortunate to escape the Amex Stadium with a point in gameweek one, as Brighton created more than enough chances to win the game. The absence of Antonee Robinson has been a major setback for Marco Silva’s side, forcing Calvin Bassey into an unfamiliar right-back role, which left Fulham looking less assured defensively. Goalkeeper Bernd Leno was kept busy throughout, making three saves to preserve the point.

The German shot-stopper ended last season with a strong run of performances, landing this selection in each of Fulham’s final seven home matches of the campaign. Leno racked up eight saves when he last faced Man United, in an FA Cup tie at Old Trafford last season. Given how succinct Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo looked in their season-opener against Arsenal, Leno will likely have plenty of involvement as Fulham return to Craven Cottage.

Raul Jimenez was far from his sharpest against Brighton, registering just two shots, neither of which hit the target. However, this selection still landed thanks to the SuperSub rule, with Rodrigo Muniz replacing the Mexican after 66 minutes and going on to grab the equaliser in the dying embers of the game.

Despite starting only eight league games last season, the Brazilian still managed to net eight goals, often able to make an instant impact from the bench. Marco Silva is expected to keep faith with the more experienced Jimenez to lead the line once again, given that the Mexican was Fulham’s most active forward last season, topping the charts for both shots and shots on target.

He averaged 1.08 shots on target per 90, while Muniz posted an even stronger return at 1.77 per 90. With both strikers offering a genuine goal threat, the SuperSub rule provides an ideal angle to cover both players.

Fulham committed exactly 13 fouls on their last trip to Old Trafford to land this selection. Over the course of last season, they averaged 11.4 fouls per game in the Premier League, ranking eighth overall for total fouls conceded. However, the key angle here comes from Manchester United’s ability to draw infringements.

In their opening game, United forced Arsenal into 19 fouls, which is notable given the Gunners ranked 16th for fouls committed last season.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were particularly effective as inside forwards, combining for six fouls drawn between them. Marauding wingbacks Patrick Dorgu and Amad Diallo, who is expected to reclaim his starting spot over Diogo Dalot, only adds to that potential to draw fouls, given how both players often look to take on their man.

Against a physical Fulham midfield featuring Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic, there are plenty of interesting matchups across the pitch to keep tabs on.