Ah, lads, the Premier League’s back in the swing of things this weekend, and what a start it is with Manchester United squaring off against Fulham under the Friday night lights at Old Trafford.
Now, United have had a bit of a rough patch defensively – just the one clean sheet in their last 14 competitive games, if you can believe it. Meanwhile, Fulham weren’t exactly tearing it up on the road last season, dropping nine of their 19 away matches.
But let’s not forget, United’s fortress at Old Trafford remains solid enough – they’ve only lost once in their last seven games there. Sure, there’s plenty of eyes on Erik ten Hag, especially after that nerve-wracking FA Cup final win over City, but this opener against Fulham should be a comfortable one for the Reds.
Fulham have seen their main man Joao Palhinha head off to Bayern Munich, though they’ve brought in young Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal to bolster their ranks. They did nick a 2-1 win at Old Trafford back in February, but this time around, they might find it a tougher slog.
So, what’s the call? Back United to take the win, but don’t be surprised if they concede. Fulham might be reeling from Palhinha’s departure, but they’ve got goals in them, having scored in six of their last seven meetings with United. On the other hand, United have been a bit leaky at the back, with just one clean sheet in their last 14 games. Even with Shaw and Lindelof back, they’re not exactly looking like a brick wall.
A 2-1 win for United feels about right. They’ll likely dominate possession and create more chances, but finishing them off? Well, that’s another story – they’ve only bagged more than two goals twice in their last 13 games.
Keep an eye on young Garnacho, though. The lad’s been buzzing around the goal, and after bagging one in the FA Cup final and another off the bench at Wembley last weekend, he’s primed to start this Friday and could well get himself on the scoresheet to kick off the season.
TIPS