Jon Mcleod
Andrew MacdougallThe weekend's big one: Fulham v Man U
Fulham v Man U
FA Cup
Saturday, March 7, KO 5.15pm.
Manchester United's bid for an unprecedented quintuple continues at Craven Cottage late in the afternoon on Saturday.
In terms of footballing ability, United have proven over the last few months that they are unrivalled in England and potentially - Barcelona aside - in Europe also, making the fanciful task of claiming the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League before the end of the season appear somewhat loigcial.
But after the frighteners served up against Newcastle at St. James' Park, Ferguson is well aware that is it not the necessarily the difficulty of the terrain they must overcome but the length of the journey and the potential to be ambushed by bad luck.
The bosses:
Roy Hodgson - Composed, understated ad highly effective. When the final verdicts are in on the season, Hodgson will be rightly praised for his work in stabilising and drivig Fulham forward.
Sir Alex Ferguson - At present, Ferguson is the priveleged position of down playing hype whilst basking in the knowledge that it is entirely merited. His reputation as the pre-eminent managerial force in the Premier League is once again absolute.
Key Players:
Brede Hangeland (Fulham) - The Norweigan centre-back, the keystone around which Fulham have built a formidable defensive wall, has put the January transfer speculation behind him and is in top form. But he and his colleagues will be tested to the maximum against the Unted's unpredictable attacking force.
Michael Carrick (Man U) - For many people, Carrick is United's most improved player this season. he has finally developed the influence his imaginative and accurate passing has suggested is possible. United's slick football relies on the mdfielder finding his rythum.
The tactics:
Fulham may have an imposing record at home htis season, especially in defence but United will come to attack and to win this one with maximum efficiency. But Fulham, with Danny Murphy at the hub also like to play the game on the ground.
Therefore the midfield clash will be key between him and Michael Carrick will be key with the winner doing most damage, not in the tackle but in the quality of passing. the clash in mdifield between Danny Murphy and Michael Carrick could be decisive in which side hits their stride most effectively.
If United hit their strike the raidings from all over, deep and wide, could be too much for Fulham's otherwise secure backline.
Prediction
Fulham wil fight hard to keep the Cup dream still kicking but expect a smoother United performance than against Newcastle and expect them to prevail.
Fulham 0 Manchester United 2
FA Cup
Saturday, March 7, KO 5.15pm.
Manchester United's bid for an unprecedented quintuple continues at Craven Cottage late in the afternoon on Saturday.
In terms of footballing ability, United have proven over the last few months that they are unrivalled in England and potentially - Barcelona aside - in Europe also, making the fanciful task of claiming the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League before the end of the season appear somewhat loigcial.
But after the frighteners served up against Newcastle at St. James' Park, Ferguson is well aware that is it not the necessarily the difficulty of the terrain they must overcome but the length of the journey and the potential to be ambushed by bad luck.
The bosses:
Roy Hodgson - Composed, understated ad highly effective. When the final verdicts are in on the season, Hodgson will be rightly praised for his work in stabilising and drivig Fulham forward.
Sir Alex Ferguson - At present, Ferguson is the priveleged position of down playing hype whilst basking in the knowledge that it is entirely merited. His reputation as the pre-eminent managerial force in the Premier League is once again absolute.
Key Players:
Brede Hangeland (Fulham) - The Norweigan centre-back, the keystone around which Fulham have built a formidable defensive wall, has put the January transfer speculation behind him and is in top form. But he and his colleagues will be tested to the maximum against the Unted's unpredictable attacking force.
Michael Carrick (Man U) - For many people, Carrick is United's most improved player this season. he has finally developed the influence his imaginative and accurate passing has suggested is possible. United's slick football relies on the mdfielder finding his rythum.
The tactics:
Fulham may have an imposing record at home htis season, especially in defence but United will come to attack and to win this one with maximum efficiency. But Fulham, with Danny Murphy at the hub also like to play the game on the ground.
Therefore the midfield clash will be key between him and Michael Carrick will be key with the winner doing most damage, not in the tackle but in the quality of passing. the clash in mdifield between Danny Murphy and Michael Carrick could be decisive in which side hits their stride most effectively.
If United hit their strike the raidings from all over, deep and wide, could be too much for Fulham's otherwise secure backline.
Prediction
Fulham wil fight hard to keep the Cup dream still kicking but expect a smoother United performance than against Newcastle and expect them to prevail.
Fulham 0 Manchester United 2
