Manchester United vs Fulham Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this one. Manchester United welcome Fulham to Old Trafford in a proper mid-table... well, top-seven scrap, actually. United sit fourth, Fulham seventh, just four points between 'em. On paper, you'd fancy the home side, but the recent form book tells a more interesting story.

United's last ten games have been a proper rollercoaster. They've pulled off some massive results, beating the league leaders Arsenal 3-2 away and then turning over Manchester City 2-0 at home. That's the stuff of champions, that is. But for every high, there's been a low: a loss to Brighton in the cup, and draws against the likes of Burnley (2-2), Leeds (1-1), and even Wolves (1-1). They score plenty – two a game on average – but they also concede, letting in 1.5 per match. They've only kept two clean sheets in ten, and both teams have scored in a whopping 80% of their games.

Fulham, on the other hand, have been quietly going about their business. Six wins from their last ten is a serious return. They've beaten Chelsea 2-1, held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw, and nicked a win at West Ham. Their away form is decent if not spectacular, with two wins from their last five on the road. They average 1.6 goals scored and 1.1 conceded, and like United, they've only kept two clean sheets in ten. Both teams have scored in 70% of their matches.

When these two meet, history says United usually come out on top with six wins from nine. But the last two meetings have both ended 1-1, so Fulham know how to get a result here.

So, what's the play? The bookies have United at 1.60 to win, which feels a bit short given their patchy home form. Fulham are no mugs. The goal markets look more interesting. United's games are full of goals at both ends, and Fulham are more than capable of scoring. The stats scream that both teams will find the net.

Key Points:

Manchester United have won 4 of their last 10, but have beaten Arsenal and Man City in that run.

Fulham have won 6 of their last 10, including a victory over Chelsea.

Both teams have scored in 80% of United's last 10 games and 70% of Fulham's.

The last two head-to-head meetings have finished 1-1.

United average 2.0 goals scored and 1.5 conceded per game.

Fulham average 1.6 goals scored and 1.1 conceded per game.

In summary, this has the makings of a proper end-to-end game. United will attack, but they'll likely give Fulham chances too. With the value on offer, the smart money here is on both teams getting on the scoresheet.