Premier League: Manchester United v Fulham match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Old Trafford

Juan Mata is expected to be in action again for Manchester United against Stoke on Sunday (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United will once again look to kick-start their season when Fulham guest Old Trafford. The Red Devils' stop-start campaign took another heavy blow when United lost to Stoke at the Britannia on Saturday. The January acquisition of Spanish playmaker Juan Mata from Chelsea had restored optimism but a poor display at Stoke brought back the critics and United look increasingly unlikely to make the top four this season.

This match is a must-win for David Moyes' side, though. Fulham are the league's basement side with just 19 points. The introduction of Rene Meulensteen as manager after Martin Jol was sacked in December has so far brought very little success and the Cottagers are currently on a four-match losing streak. The FA Cup fourth round loss to Sheffield United has put pressure on Meulensteen and a bad result might leave his position in jeopardy.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 4pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Fulham 1 (Kacaniklic) Manchester United 3 (Valencia, van Persie, Rooney), Premier League, November 2013

Fulham 0 Manchester United 1 (Rooney), Premier League, February 2013.

Manchester United 4 (Giggs, Rooney, Hernandez 2) Fulham 1 (Hughes), FA Cup, January 2013

STATS…

Manchester United have lost four home games in the Premier League this season.

Fulham have not won at Old Trafford since 2003/04 when Lee Clarke, Steed Malbranque and Junichi Inamoto scored for Fulham in a 3-1 win.

David Moyes' side currently have 40 points for 24 games. Last season they had 59 for the same amount of games.

Fulham have the worst defence in the league having shipped 53 goals already. During the whole of last season they let in 60.

ODDS…

Manchester United to win: 1.22

Fulham to win: 21

Draw: 7.2

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 4pm, highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm