Manchester United to continue great form under Solskjaer
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Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has completely turned around Manchester United’s fortunes. He has taken the same exact underachieving squad Jose Mourinho assembled and reeled off eight straight Premier League matches without a loss.
Manchester United’s last defeat came against Liverpool in mid-December. Since then, the Red Devils have outscored opponents 20-5 and winning seven games.
Fulham hired Claudio Ranieri on November 14th and despite being seven points adrift in the fight for survival, they have improved. Fulham had won once until Ranieri's arrival and since joining the club, they have taken 10 points from a possible 39. It isn’t great, but Fulham have been far more competitive.
Remarkably, Fulham have obtained 15 of their 17 points at Craven Cottage. Their ability to score goals at home should give Solskjaer some cause for concern. But Manchester United have registered the fourth best away points tally with 23 of 39 taken on their travels. The Red Devils have scored 24 times on the road posting a +5-goal difference. Fulham’s defence has been weak all term, and though Ranieri has improved it, they have still shipped goals. Fulham have allowed 24 scores in their last 13 games.
Solskjaer is expected to have a full squad to select from on Saturday. Chris Smalling hasn’t played since Manchester United defeated Fulham 4-1 back in December. The centre-back could make his return to the team at Craven Cottage. Forward Anthony Martial could start following his substitute appearance in last weekend’s win over Leicester as he has fully recovered from a slight knock.
Fulham were active during the January transfer window. Ryan Babel joined on loan and has appeared in three games notching one assist. Babel could be joined by fellow former Liverpool player Lazar Markovic in Fulham’s starting XI.
Markovic, who was playing for Liverpool’s U-23 team, made a shock move to Craven Cottage and has a lot to prove. Defender Havard Nordtveit was also added on transfer deadline day and he could see his first action for the Cottagers. Ranieri will be without Marcus Bettinelli, Alfie Mawson, and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa due to injury.
Manchester United romped to a 4-1 win in their previous meeting this season. It was the club’s fifth win in its last six matches against Fulham. Saturday’s early kick off will once again see Manchester United defeat Fulham. The Red Devils have won eight of their last nine games in all competitions against Fulham. Five of their last six meetings have ended with over 2.5 goals scored. Solskjaer’s team will win again on Saturday and the Red Devils will put goals past Fulham. Expect over 2.5 goals as the Red Devils control the match.
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