Premier League: Cottagers Must Prepare Against Bloodied Red Devils

Fulham vs Manchester United

Fulham will attempt to get their first Premier League victory of the 2025-26 campaign when Manchester United visit Craven Cottage this upcoming Sunday. Marco Silva’s men salvaged a point in their 1-1 draw against Brighton on the opening day, and they’re ninth in the English top-flight standings.

In contrast, Manchester United are fresh from a narrow 1-0 loss against Arsenal last weekend, despite having one of their best performances in quite some time. Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils dropped back to 15th place as a result.

It’s still early in the campaign, but the Cottagers and the Red Devils aim to tack on as many points as they can to be closer to their respective objectives. So, SBOTOP football fans are in for a doozy this weekend.

 

Talking Points

Muniz pushing for a Fulham start

Fulham were in danger of losing their first league game against Brighton, as they were down by one goal for much of the contest. Matt O’Riley put the Seagulls into the driving seat by converting a penalty drawn by Georginio Rutter after a tackle from Sander Berge near the hour mark. The Cottagers pushed hard for the equaliser, and Rodrigo Muniz gave it to them during stoppage time off a corner.

Muniz has been the subject of transfer speculation for Fulham, as it was widely believed he was off to Atalanta this summer. The 24-year-old wanted to move to Bergamo to seek more playing time because he serves as Raul Jimenez’s understudy.

However, Fulham might not be willing to let go of Muniz, especially after his clutch goal against Brighton. Marco Silva is reportedly keen on keeping the young Brazilian to alleviate the workload of the aging Jimenez, who just turned 34 last May.

Besides Muniz, Emile Smith Rowe is also pushing for a start this Saturday. The former Arsenal playmaker looked bright during his 20-minute shift against Brighton last weekend.

 

Sesko can solve Manchester United’s finishing

Manchester United should’ve taken at least one point against Arsenal last Sunday. If it weren’t for Altay Bayindir’s early mistake that led to Riccardo Calafiori’s goal, with no thanks to some questionable officiating, the Red Devils would’ve won the match because they were the better team. Ruben Amorim’s men had Arsenal play on the back foot. Manchester United had 22 total shots compared to Arsenal’s nine, and they also controlled 62-per cent of the ball. 

Bruno Fernandes created five chances in the match, the 33rd time he’s done so in 196 Premier League appearances. The Portuguese midfielder is one of the league’s best playmakers, and all he needs is a clinical finisher in the final third.

Amorim went with the front three of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Mason Mount against the Gunners, but I see him replacing Mount with Benjamin Sesko, their prized acquisition this summer.

 

History

Fulham have won just one of their last 19 Premier League matches against Manchester United (D3, L15), beating them 2-1 at Old Trafford in February 2024. However, Fulham were also the ones who eliminated Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round last season via a penalty shootout.

Manchester United have won each of their last eight Premier League visits to Craven Cottage, and they plan to make it nine straight against them for the first time in their league history. But the Red Devils have only won three of their last 23 Premier League away matches against London sides (D5, L15).

The last four Premier League encounters between the Cottagers and Red Devils have seen a winning goal scored in the 78th minute or later. In the opener last season, Joshua Zirkzee scored in his Manchester United debut in the 87th minute, and Lisandro Martinez fired in a volley in the 78th minute during the reverse fixture.

 

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2025 odds expect a close game between Fulham and Manchester United. The Red Devils have the slight edge at 2.17, whereas the Cottagers aren’t far behind at 3.06, and a draw is at 3.18 in the 1X2 market.

Recent encounters between Fulham and Manchester United have been low-scoring, so do not be surprised if Premier League 2025 highlights will come few and far between this Sunday. Bettors can also add options like Under 2.75 at 1.80, Under 2.50 at 2.03, and Total Goals 0-1 at 3.33 to their parlay. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 1-0 in favour of Manchester United – the result of their most recent league meeting – will give you a solid payday of 7.90 your bet.

   

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.