Manchester United head into the final Premier League game before the 2022 FIFA World Cup break six points outside of the top four but with two games in hand as the first of them is a trip to Fulham this afternoon.
The Red Devils’ decent league form came to an end last weekend when they were beaten 3-1 away to Aston Villa. Prior to that, they had taken 11 points from five fixtures, including a win over Tottenham Hotspur and a draw at Chelsea.
Fulham head into today’s fixture in similar circumstances – losing last time out after going unbeaten in four. Although Marco Silva’s side were beaten 1-2 at Manchester City last time out. They had taken eight points from four before that, scoring eight and keeping two clean sheets.
The two team’s for this afternoon’s game at Craven Cottage are confirmed as:
Manchester United
David de Gea; Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Casemiro, Christian Eriksen; Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Elanga; Anthony Martial
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Substitutes: Martin Dubravka, Nathan Bishop, Harry Maguire, Fred, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Zidane Iqbal, Alejandro Garnacho
With five absentees in defence it appears Tyrell Malacia will start at right-back. Diogo Dalot is suspended, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe injured. Harry Maguire and Fred are both named among the substitutes just days after being named for their national teams for the World Cup. Scott McTominay is also on the bench, but he doesn’t have to worry about World Cup participation as he’s Scottish.
Both Anthony and Jadon Sancho were doubts coming into the game and neither have been named in the matchday squad in West London. Anthony Elanga will start down the wing, with Alejandro Garnacho and Zidane Iqbal among the subs. Cristiano Ronaldo is not involved today.
Fulham
Bernd Leno; Bobby De Cordova-Reid; Issa Diop, Tim Ream, Antontee Robinson; Tom Cairney, Joao Palhinha; Harry Wilson, Andreas Pereira, Willian; Carlos Vinicius
Substitutes: Marek Rodak, Kevin Mbabu, Shane Duffy, Tosin Adarabioyo, Nathaniel Chalobah, Josh Onomah, Luke Harris, Kristian Sekularac, Daniel James
Aleksandr Mitrovic remains sidelined, meaning Carlos Vinicius leads the line for the hosts. The former Tottenham Hotspur loanee is still awaiting his first Premier League goal for the Cottagers. Manager Marco Silva will also be without both Kenny Tete and Harrison Reed due to suspension.
Former Manchester United winger Daniel James is named among the substitutes.
Promoted to editor in 2016, James has met famous footballing faces from Robbie Savage to John Barnes. Very passionate football fan and writer and has a degree in journalism,