Manchester United will be facing Fulham at Craven Cottage in their final Premier League game before the World Cup break.
The Red Devils find themselves six points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur after yesterday’s round of matches.
However, they have two games in hand and one of those will be against the Cottagers this evening.
This will be the club’s final league outing until Christmas and manager Erik ten Hag will be eyeing a strong performance.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David de Gea has played every minute of the club’s Premier League campaign and he should be an assured starter in goal. The Spaniard’s form over the past few weeks has been pivotal to United picking up crucial wins.
At the back, there will be an enforced change with Diogo Dalot suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the league season. In his absence, one of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof or Tyrell Malacia could start at right-back.
In our view, Malacia seems the most likely candidate. The left-back has played in the position on a couple of occasions in Europe and Ten Hag may trust him ahead of Wan-Bissaka, who has managed just four minutes under him.
Lindelof should partner Lisandro Martinez in central defence ahead of Harry Maguire, who has been inconsistent since his injury comeback. Luke Shaw should be a guaranteed starter at left-back amid his fine form since October.
In midfield, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen should be back in the XI, having seen Scott McTominay and Fred start over them in the Carabao Cup third round win over Aston Villa. The duo will need to be at their best against Fulham, who have lost just one of their seven home games.
Further forward, Ten Hag should drop Donny van de Beek to the bench on the back of three dismal displays from the number 10 role. We fully expect Bruno Fernandes to start in his preferred attacking midfield position at Fulham.
Alejandro Garnacho deserves another start after grabbing two assists in the 4-2 win over Aston Villa in midweek. It was an outstanding 30-minute cameo. If he starts on the left wing, we may see Marcus Rashford on the right flank.
Anthony Martial is expected to lead the line against the west London outfit. The Frenchman has been hampered by injuries but his form has been spectacular. He has four goals and two assists from just six games in all competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo may not play any part against Fulham due to an illness. Antony and Jadon Sancho are also set to miss out on the matchday squad, having not travelled with the team to the English capital on Saturday afternoon.
How Man Utd will line up vs Fulham
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
