Fulham vs. Manchester United Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 26 January 2025 - bettingexpert
As Fulham hosts Manchester United at Craven Cottage on 26 January 2025, both teams are eager to secure crucial points in this Premier League encounter broadcast on Amazon Prime. Fulham is positioned 10th in the league with 33 points, just five points away from the European spots. Meanwhile, Manchester United sits 13th with 26 points, ten points clear of relegation.
Despite their inconsistent form, Fulham has been strong at home, losing just once in their last 11 games. Manchester United is looking to bounce back from a recent 1-3 home loss to Brighton.
Referee Anthony Taylor will oversee the match, and with both teams having defensive vulnerabilities, a high-scoring game is expected. The weather forecast predicts 9°C with rain and wind, adding another layer of challenge.
Our match prediction leans towards a closely contested game, and the recommended bet is "Both Teams to Score: Yes," with odds of 1.7. Additionally, keep an eye on key players like Fulham’s Raul Jimenez and United’s Amad Diallo, both top scorers for their respective teams.
Fulham vs Manchester United Prediction & Betting Tip
| Fulham vs Manchester United Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Both Teams to Score: Yes | 1.7 |
- Fulham have hit the "Both Teams to Score: Yes" in 17 of their 22 league matches, making them a reliable team for this bet.
- Manchester United’s recent form shows both teams scoring in three consecutive Premier League games, often with high goal totals.
- Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities, increasing the likelihood of goals from both sides in this match.
Fulham vs Manchester United Odds
| Fulham vs Manchester United Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Fulham | 2.22 |
| Draw | 3.39 |
| Manchester United | 3.23 |
Fulham enters this match as the bookmaker’s favourite, which may surprise some given their mid-table position. However, they have been strong at home this season, losing only two of their eleven matches at Craven Cottage. In contrast, Manchester United’s form has been shaky, especially on the road, with only two wins in ten away games.
Considering Fulham’s solid home form and United’s defensive vulnerabilities, it’s clear why the betting odds favour Fulham.
Fulham Team Analysis
Fulham Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Leicester | Fulham | 0-2 (Win) |
| West Ham | Fulham | 3-2 (Loss) |
| Fulham | Watford | 4-1 (Win) |
| Fulham | Ipswich | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Fulham | Bournemouth | 2-2 (Draw) |
Recent Form: WLWDD
Fulham’s recent performances have been a mixed bag, showcasing their attacking prowess with an average of 2.40 goals scored per game in their last five matches. Despite this, they’ve managed just one clean sheet in the same period, indicating some defensive vulnerabilities. However, their home form remains solid, vital for their mid-table position and pursuit of European spots.
Their latest outing saw a confident 2-0 victory against Leicester, demonstrating their ability to bounce back from setbacks such as the narrow 3-2 loss to West Ham. With only one loss in their last 11 games, Fulham looks determined to maintain their competitive edge at Craven Cottage.
Fulham Key Players
Fulham’s key players for this match will be pivotal in determining the outcome, especially against a formidable opponent like Manchester United. Top scorer Raul Jimenez, with 8 goals this season, will aim to exploit United’s defensive frailties, particularly between minutes 46-60, where they’ve conceded the most goals. Midfield maestros Emile Smith Rowe and Harry Wilson will be instrumental in creating chances, linking up well with Jimenez. In defense, Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey will need to keep a close eye on United’s attacking threats.
Expected lineup for Fulham:
- Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
- Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Calvin Bassey, Joachim Andersen, Antonee Robinson
- Midfielders: Sander Berge, Sasa Lukic, Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi
- Forward: Raul Jimenez
Keep an eye on individual battles such as Jimenez versus Lisandro Martinez, which could be crucial.
Fulham Suspensions & Injuries
Fulham will be missing the services of two key players due to injuries, which could affect their squad depth and tactical flexibility against Manchester United.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Reiss Nelson | Hamstring Injury | Mid-February 2025 |
| Kenny Tete | Knee Injury | Late February 2025 |
Reiss Nelson’s pace and creativity on the wing will be missed, especially against a Manchester United side vulnerable to counter-attacks. Similarly, Kenny Tete’s defensive solidity will be a loss for Fulham, making their backline slightly more fragile. Marco Silva will need to reshuffle his options to cover these absences effectively.
Fulham Tactics and Formation
Fulham Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Raul Jimenez
- Midfield Trio: Sasa Lukic, Sander Berge, Emile Smith Rowe
- Defensive Setup: Timothy Castagne, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson
Fulham, under Marco Silva’s helm, often rely on a robust 4-2-3-1 formation that balances defensive solidity with attacking flair. With Raul Jimenez leading the line, the team looks to exploit his poaching instincts inside the box. In midfield, the double pivot of Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge provides both defensive cover and creative passing lanes. With Emile Smith Rowe playing the role of the attacking midfielder, Fulham aim to control the game’s tempo and dictate play from the center. In defense, Castagne and Robinson provide width, while Andersen and Bassey form a solid central pairing. This tactical setup has helped Fulham remain competitive and stable throughout the season.
Manchester United Team Analysis
Manchester United Recent Performance
Manchester United’s recent form in the league is somewhat inconsistent, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches. They have scored an average of 2.80 goals per game but have struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five encounters.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | Rangers | 2-1 (Win) |
| Manchester United | Brighton | 1-3 (Loss) |
| Manchester United | Southampton | 3-1 (Win) |
| Arsenal | Manchester United | 1-1 (Draw, 3-5 pens) |
| Liverpool | Manchester United | 2-2 (Draw) |
These results, combined with their issues in maintaining defensive solidity, suggest that while the Red Devils can find the back of the net, their defensive lapses often put them in precarious positions. Key player Amad Diallo, their top scorer with 6 goals, will need to continue his scoring run to keep United’s hopes alive in this fixture.
Manchester United Key Players
Expected lineup for Manchester United:
- Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
- Defenders: Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire
- Midfielders: Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot
- Attackers: Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund
Amad Diallo, the Red Devils’ top scorer with 6 goals this season, is expected to play a crucial role in breaking down Fulham’s defense. His pace and creativity make him a constant threat on the flanks.
Bruno Fernandes, who orchestrates the midfield, will be another key player. Fernandes’ vision and range of passing can unlock defenses with ease, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Defensively, Matthijs de Ligt will have his hands full with Fulham’s striker Raul Jimenez, who has netted 8 goals this season. The battle between de Ligt and Jimenez could be crucial in determining the outcome of this match.
Manchester United Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Luke Shaw | Hamstring Injury | Doubtful |
| Mason Mount | Muscle injury | Early February 2025 |
| Victor Lindelöf | Concussion | Early February 2025 |
| Jonny Evans | Physical discomfort | Early February 2025 |
Manchester United are grappling with several injuries that could impact their performance. Notably, Luke Shaw remains doubtful with a hamstring injury, while Mason Mount, a crucial midfield presence, will be sidelined until early February. Additionally, both Victor Lindelöf and Jonny Evans are expected back in early February, leaving gaps in the defense for the time being.
The absence of these key players could leave Manchester United vulnerable, especially in defense, where they are already leaking goals. These injuries might force Rúben Amorim to rely on less experienced players, which could disrupt the team’s cohesion and effectiveness on the pitch.
Manchester United Tactics and Formation
Manchester United’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Rasmus Højlund
- Midfield Quartet: Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot
- Defensive Setup: Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire
- Notable Strategy: Focused pressing and quick transitions, especially aiming to exploit the 46-60 minute interval where Fulham has shown vulnerability, according to match facts.
Under Rúben Amorim, United are set to deploy a dynamic formation that capitalizes on their attacking talents while aiming to shore up a defense that has been inconsistent. Bruno Fernandes will be crucial in linking up play between the midfield and attack.
Fulham vs Manchester United Head-to-Head Statistics
There is no available head-to-head information for the last five meetings between Fulham and Manchester United. We will assume this is their first encounter in recent times.
As both teams look forward to this clash at Craven Cottage on 26 January 2025, Fulham is aiming to continue their impressive home run, having not lost in five consecutive matches on their turf. Manchester United, on the other hand, will hope to improve their road performance, which has been less than stellar this season with only two wins in 10 away matches.
Odds accurate as of 24/01/2025 19:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
