The English Premier League 2024/25 season kicks off on Friday, August 16, 2024, with Manchester United welcoming Fulham to Old Trafford. Scheduled for an 8:00 PM local time (19:00 GMT) kickoff, this match promises excitement and drama as both teams seek to start their campaigns on a high note.
Team Analysis
Manchester United
Erik ten Hag’s side comes into this season with high expectations but a somewhat unsettled squad. The manager has admitted that his team isn't fully prepared after a turbulent preseason, culminating in a 3-0 loss to Liverpool. New defensive signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich will provide much-needed stability at the back. Up front, Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee looks to make an impact after joining from Bologna. However, injuries to key players such as Luke Shaw, Rasmus Højlund, and Leny Yoro could affect United’s performance. The team will rely heavily on Bruno Fernandes, who recently signed a new three-year contract extension, to lead from the midfield.
Fulham
Marco Silva's Fulham heads to Old Trafford with a fully fit squad. They’ve bolstered their lineup with the acquisition of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal, and the midfielder is expected to make his competitive debut. While Fulham finished last season in a respectable 13th place, their away form was problematic, with only four wins on the road. The departures of key defenders like Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream leave gaps in the defense, while the transfer of Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich could make a significant impact on their midfield.
Previous Matchups
This will be the 89th meeting between Manchester United and Fulham, with United historically dominating the fixture. United has won 56 of the encounters, compared to Fulham’s 14 victories. However, Fulham stunned United with a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in February of last season, which contributed to the Red Devils' inconsistent run during the closing stages of the campaign.
Date | Result | Competition |
Feb 24, 2024 | Man Utd 1-2 Fulham | Premier League |
May 28, 2023 | Man Utd 2-1 Fulham | Premier League |
Mar 19, 2023 | Man Utd 3-1 Fulham | FA Cup |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Manchester United
Strengths: United boasts a talented squad despite injury woes. Bruno Fernandes is pivotal in orchestrating play, and new signings de Ligt and Mazraoui offer strength in defense. United’s home advantage will also play a crucial role.
Weaknesses: Injuries and a lack of preseason cohesion could hamper United’s performance, especially with key players missing. Ten Hag's admission that the team is not fully ready will worry fans.
Fulham
Strengths: Fulham's key strength lies in their tactical discipline under Marco Silva. Smith Rowe could add creativity to their attacking play.
Weaknesses: Their defense has been weakened by key departures, and they have struggled on the road, winning only four away games last season.
Predictions
Given the injury concerns for Manchester United and Fulham’s strengthened squad, this could be a closely contested match. United remains the favorite, but Fulham’s ability to spring surprises – as seen in their win last season – shouldn’t be underestimated. A narrow United win or a draw seems like a likely outcome.
Score Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Fulham
Best Bets
Both Teams to Score: Fulham managed to score against United last season, and with United’s defensive absences, this seems a solid bet.
Over 2.5 Goals: Both teams have attacking firepower, and this fixture tends to produce goals.
Disclaimer: We provide information to the best of our ability. Using this information is at your discretion, and we are not liable for any outcomes.
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