By Karl Matchett
Can the magic of the cup be restorative?
Each time it appears Manchester United have hit new lows over the previous couple of seasons, they discover a technique to produce one other. They very practically did that in a extra literal sense in midweek, greater than as soon as being at risk of dropping to relegation-threatened Ipswich which might have seen them drop to sixteenth within the desk, improbably.
As a substitute they turned that recreation round – and now sit 14th! Upwards! – and may hope for dwelling comforts to assist them via within the FA Cup. Lately this competitors has been dominated for essentially the most half by the most important and most in-form sides or these with the deepest squads – however United themselves received it final yr and there’s cause for followers and gamers alike to imagine they may replicate it.
Think about: Liverpool are already out, United knocked out Arsenal themselves, Man Metropolis are a shadow of earlier years. This competitors is large open on the last-16 stage, and one massive efficiency now adopted by a form draw within the quarters means a Wembley day could be very a lot inside attain.
Eyes on the prize – however which?
It’s value factoring in Fulham’s priorities right here, although. What’s of extra worth to the membership and to supervisor Marco Silva? They’ve been largely good this time period, if inconsistent occasionally, however ninth within the league desk isn’t the entire story – they’re solely 4 factors off fifth which carries a possible Champions League spot.
Europe of some kind is unquestionably inside attain with a powerful end to the season – however the aforementioned open nature of the cup goes for Fulham, too. Their honours checklist is successfully the Intertoto Cup of 2002 and some Second Division (or Championship) titles. They’ve reached the FA Cup last as soon as, and misplaced.
Do they gamble league kind on going for probably the all time day of their historical past?
Latest kind
At dwelling, United have received three and misplaced two of the final 5 beneath Rúben Amorim. On an extended foundation it’s seven wins in 11 video games, although that features questionable high quality ranges of opposition. For Fulham it’s 5 wins in seven of late, with 4 wins on the bounce away from dwelling.
Workforce information
United have seven nonetheless out injured together with Amad Diallo and Lisandro Martínez. Patrick Dorgu was despatched off final outing and it wouldn’t be a shock to see Amorim sideline Alejandro Garnacho for his petulant response to being subbed. The identical absentees for Fulham as not too long ago: Reiss Nelson, Kenny Tete, Harry Wilson. Emile Smith Rowe might be match to return, nevertheless.
Key participant
Rasmus Højlund hasn’t scored since enjoying Viktoria Plzeň in December. Joshua Zirkzee isn’t first selection however has two objectives in cups since then. United stay reliant on Bruno Fernandes for creating and scoring alike.
Prediction
Rotations would possibly profit the hosts greater than the guests so a slim win for Amorim: Man United 1 Fulham 0.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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