Man United v Fulham FA Cup Prediction 26th January 2013

Man United v Fulham Betting Preview
This could be looking like a bit of a formality, but it is unlikely that Sir Alex Ferguson will be fielding a full strength starting eleven. The Red Devils battled their way past West Ham in the third round, but a tremendous home record against the Whites should put them in good stead. Is there any sign of an upset in the FA Cup at Old Trafford here? The Whites aren’t in top form, but this is their chance at silverware. Fulham had a tough battle as well to get this stage. As heavy underdogs, they’ve nothing to lose, so can they spring a surprise?

Man United v Fulham Betting Odds at online bookmaker Paddy Power
Manchester United 3/10, Draw 9/2, Fulham 8/1

Man United v Fulham Recommended Bet:
Massive discrepancy in the odds here and that is somewhat understandable. The Red Devils have simply been powering along this season, but there could be some vulnerability in the Cup. United didn’t field a full strength side at Upton Park against West Ham and were lucky to salvage a draw, and only a 1-0 battling win back in the replay at Old Trafford put them through. So an understrength Man United side could see them picked off, but that still looks unlikely. However, that all having been said and done, they have an immense record at Old Trafford in both the FA Cup and against Fulham. That is why the chance of anything but a home win in this one is looking pretty slim.

Manchester United have lost just two of their last 18 home FA Cup matches, taking fourteen wins in that run. The Red Devils have also progressed through in the last seven FA Cup meetings in a row against the Whites. Robin van Persie saved them in the third round at Upton Park with a late equaliser against the Hammers and now he has netted in each of his last six matches for United, totalling eleven in his last eleven appearances in all competitions. That is an immense strike rate which will probably be coming off the bench, only if they get themselves in trouble. United have won ten and lost one of their eleven home matches in the Premier League this season, scoring at a rate of around two and three-quarter goals per game. No, they aren’t great at the back, they are vulnerable to long balls. Doesn’t matter too much when you have the forward options they have.

Still, Fulham are heavy underdogs, but they did produced an exciting game at Old Trafford in the league earlier in the season, acquitting themselves very well in a 3-2 defeat. However, Fulham have lost on each of their last ten visits to Old Trafford in all competitions, so they are up against it here. Another issue for Martin Jol’s men is their form. They have recorded just two wins in their last nine games in all competitions, having lost four of those, so there are big vulnerabilities at the back for them. They have a decent bit of attacking power, but just in general somehow look like a bit of a flimsy side.

The Whites have only taken two away wins in the Premier League this season, with a terrible defensive record of conceding over two goals per game. However, if you look hard enough you will always find some kind of positive and that for Fulham, will come in their FA Cup fourth round form. The Whites have won 10 out of their last 11 Fourth Round matches in the FA Cup, so that is some pretty strong form. They did fall in last season’s 4th round against Everton though. Fulham have scored at a healthy enough rate this season and need the massive influence of former United star Dimitar Berbatov.

But ten straight defeats on the bounce at Old Trafford, doesn’t send positive signals. Fulham have the goals, they are unlikely to have the defence though. Both Teams to Score is trading at 4/5 at online bookmaker Paddy Power.

Form
Man United WWDWWD, Fulham LWDDDL

Stat Attack
The Whites have lost their previous ten visits to Old Trafford in all competitions
United have lost two of their last 18 FA Cup matches at Old Trafford
Fulham have won 10 of their last 11 FA Cup 4th round matches
Robin van Persie has scored 11 goals in his last 11 appearances for the Red Devils

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