Sutton details ‘dangerous’ United vs Fulham prediction and relays one stat that Erik ten Hag will have in mind

Manchester United's Dutch manager Erik ten Hag checks out the conditions ahead of the English Premier League football match between Luton Town and Manchester United at Kenilworth Road in Luton, north of London on February 18, 2024. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /

Chris Sutton expects Manchester United to claim their fifth successive Premier League win when they take on Fulham this afternoon.

The Red Devils have momentum on their side heading into today’s fixture, although they have been rocked with injury setbacks to key men Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund in the past few days, with the latter’s six-game scoring streak being put on hold for around two to three weeks.

Alas, it’s down to a somewhat injury-stricken United squad to try and get a job done again as they look to close the gap on the top four and throw themselves into the running for a Champions League spot. Erik ten Hag and co will be keeping tabs on how Aston Villa fare against Nottingham Forest – also kicking off at 3pm – given that five points separate the European football-chasing sides.

Tottenham Hotspur currently occupy fifth place and United could go level with them on points with a victory today, however, the North London outfit will have a game in hand as Sunday’s Carabao Cup final means their clash with Chelsea has been postponed.

Sutton’s expectations for United vs Fulham

“Manchester United keep on winning – Sunday’s success at Luton was their fifth in a row in all competitions – and I’m pleased to see Rasmus Hojlund has carried on scoring too,” Sutton began via BBC Sport. “Fulham were very unlucky to lose to United at Craven Cottage in November, but their away form is not the best. They have only won once away in the league all season, against Everton on the opening weekend.

“I like Rasmus Hojlund, and I think he’s going to be a superstar. He was injured when he arrived at the club, but you can now see that he’s fit and settled. He’s only 21 years old, and he’s been brilliant for United. Fulham have picked up only seven points from their travels so far, and have been poor away from home. I can only see a Man United win in this fixture, and that would put them right into the top-four race.”

His prediction: United 2-1 Fulham.

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