Exactly one week after they met in the FA Cup at Old Trafford, Fulham and Manchester United face each other once again on Saturday, this time in the Premier League and at Craven Cottage. Ferguson’s men triumphed 4-1 over Fulham to cruise into the fifth round of the FA Cup, with Giggs, Rooney and Hernandez all getting on the score sheet.
Both teams were in Premier League action on Wednesday where United came from behind to achieve a 2-1 victory against Southampton. Meanwhile Fulham managed to gain just their 3rd win in 16 games with a 3-1 win at home to West Ham United.
Fulham will have to step up their game to attempt to disrupt Man United’s 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions with their last defeat back in December. Sir Alex Ferguson has close to a fully fit squad to choose from with Darren Fletcher being their only long-term absentee. Ashley Young and centre-back Jonny Evans have more short term injuries but they are still unlikely to return for Saturdays match. As for Fulham, former Manchester United player Kieran Richardson is likely to be passed fit to face his old club but midfielders Frei, Diarra and Davies are all sidelined.
After Manchester City dropped points in midweek, Manchester United must try and maintain their seven-point lead at the top of the table, if not extend it depending on how City do against Liverpool on Sunday. Fulham climbed to 12th place after their victory over West Ham and they can continue to climb the table but their main priority will be to extend the gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
