Team news, manager quotes, facts and figures ahead of the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford.
TEAM NEWS
Robin van Persie is set to make his first start for Manchester United in the clash with Fulham. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted the Dutch striker - who, following his move from Arsenal, made his Red Devils debut as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat at Everton on Monday - will be promoted to the first XI for the visit of the Cottagers. Ferguson has also confirmed Van Persie's compatriot and fellow new recruit, full-back Alexander Buttner, will be involved, most likely starting on the bench, and that he will once again be without the defensive quartet of Phil Jones (back), Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling (both foot) and Rio Ferdinand (leg) that was unavailable for the Everton game.
Clint Dempsey will be missing from Fulham's squad once again for the trip to Old Trafford. Dempsey has been unsettled by interest shown by Liverpool according to manager Martin Jol, who has decided the American is not in the right state of mind to play. Kerim Frei (pelvis) and Philippe Senderos (foot) are unavailable, but Zdenek Grygera (knee) has been passed fit.
MANAGER QUOTES
Alex Ferguson: "I went to see Fulham last Saturday and they played very well. They have a lot of experience in their team with six players over 30. We're at home and we need to make an impact quickly after Monday's game."
Martin Jol: "If you don’t come up with a few answers then it will be easy for Van Persie. But we know him. We did well against Arsenal last year, twice, and hopefully we can again cope with the service and the individual class of van Persie. We have to keep it narrow down the spine, and try to avoid their players from midfield getting the ball to him all the time. If we do that, then there is always a chance."
MATCH FACTS
Manchester United have won four and lost none of their last five Premier League games against Fulham, keeping clean sheets in all four victories.
Wayne Rooney has scored four goals in his last three Premier League games against Fulham.
Fulham have lost their last eight Premier League trips to Old Trafford and failed to score in the last five in a row.
Martin Jol has come up against Sir Alex Ferguson eight times in the Premier League. Jol’s teams drew the first two and lost the last six in a row, while failing to score in the last five.
Fulham fired in more shots on target than any other team on the opening weekend of the season (9).
The Whites also posted the best shooting accuracy (82%) and conversion rate (46%).
Fulham have only scored nine goals in their last 14 Premier League away games, three of which came in a win over relegated Bolton.
The Red Devils have kept seven clean sheets in their last nine Premier League games at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have won 35 and lost just two of their last 40 Premier League games at Old Trafford and have dropped just two of the last 27 points available on home soil.
Man Utd have won the PL title in two of the three previous seasons where they've lost their opening game (1992-93 & 1995-96).
MATCH ODDS
Manchester United 2/7, Fulham 10/1, Draw 9/2
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