Follow every kick as Fulham take on Manchester United at Craven Cottage in the Premier League
on 19-Dec-2009, kick off time 15:00
Fulham v Manchester United Live
Match Preview
Second-placed Manchester United travel to Fulham hoping to secure a win that could see them draw level at the top of the table with leaders Chelsea. Following a disappointing home defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, the Red Devils picked themselves up with a convincing 3-0 win over a weakened Wolverhampton Wanderers side on Tuesday night.
No side has won more points that the 15 that United have picked up on the road in the Premier League this season, but with a collection of defensive injuries; including a major doubt over the fitness of key central defender Nemanja Vidic, Fulham will hope to take full advantage. This game also looks to have come too early for United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar to return against his former club, with Tomasz Kuszczak continuing to deputise in his absence. Fulham have made Craven Cottage somewhat of a fortress over the last few months, winning four and drawing one of their last five Premier League matches at home since October; including an impressive 3-1 victory over Liverpool. Bobby Zamora has recently found the goalscoring form that has often deserted him over the last four seasons and his nine goal tally in all competitions so far this term is four more than the previous two seasons put together.
The former West Ham striker has scored four times in his last three appearances for the Cottagers, including a muscular brace against FC Basel in their midweek Europa League victory in Switzerland. Zamora's form has pleased nobody more than Fulham boss Roy Hodgson, who stuck by his striker following their 3-2 win over the Swiss side. "The one criticism is he hasn't scored enough goals but nine goals is a pretty good return for any forward," he said following some critical reviews from certain sections of the Cottagers' support since his arrival at the club.
Last season, Fulham defeated United 2-0 at Craven Cottage, going some way in avenging nine successive victories for the Red Devils over the south west Londoners. This match also saw the dismissals of Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney in an extremely unhappy day for Sir Alex Ferguson's side. With no new injury worries, Fulham will be hopeful of repeating last season's success at the Cottage.
Source: DSG
