Unusually, United find themselves with a negative goal difference just weeks before Christmas, and lie eight points off the last Champions League spot. Twenty-five conceded from 15 matches (1.67 on average) is more than all but the current bottom five, and José Mourinho’s supposedly ‘tight’ defence has attained only two clean sheets this season.
Having won under 50% of their home matches so far (W3, D3, L1), United have at least upped their scoring game lately, finding the net twice or more in six of their last eight Premier League (PL) games overall. Somewhat curiously, United have drawn four of their last seven PL games – with three of these producing a 2-2 scoreline.
Fulham, meanwhile, prop up the PL table courtesy of their superlatively bad goal difference. Thirty-six conceded goals puts them on course to ship 91 times – which would represent a new 38-game PL record, and certain relegation. Away from home, they’ve conceded two goals or more in seven of eight matches (D1, L7).
The neutrals never want for entertainment though, as Fulham are the only PL team to have been involved in three games containing six goals or more. Conversely though, five of Fulham’s last six games have produced under 2.5 goals.
Players to watch: Anthony Martial and Aleksandar Mitrović are both on seven PL goals this season. Martial has form on his side, though, with seven goals in his last eight PL matches.
Stat attack: United’s last five PL matches have seen 5.2 total yellow cards on average.
Sixty percent of the goals in United’s last five PL matches have been scored in the first half.
Fulham have conceded first and/or lost the first half in five of their last seven matches.
Will not play
Lindelof V.
(Thigh Injury)
Fosu-Mensah T.
(Loan agreement)
Sanchez A.
(Thigh Injury)
Questionable
Bailly E.
(Muscle Injury)
Ayite F.
(Groin Injury)
Jones P.
(Muscle Injury)
McDonald K.
(Muscle Injury)
Martial A.
(Thigh Injury)
Shaw L.
(Knock)
Match Information
Referee: Probert L. (Eng),
Venue: Old Trafford (Manchester)
You must be logged in to post a comment.