Unbeaten in two in all competitions, the visit of a inconsistent Manchester United could provide Álvaro Arbeloa with the chance to gain his first Premier League win as Fulham manager.
Pre-match analysis: Can Fulham build momentum vs Man United
Raúl Jiménez faces off against Lisandro Martínez in United 1-0 win at Craven Cottage in January 2025. Source: Richard Heathcote-Getty Images
Fulham round off the final Premier League gameweek before the first international break of the season as Manchester United make the trip down south to Craven Cottage for Super Sunday.
Álvaro Arbeloa's men will be looking to build up some momentum following positive displays in their last two outings.
Last weekend's solid 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield was swiftly followed by progression to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at the expense of West Ham United on Tuesday with a 3-2 victory.
The outside pressure and scrutiny that was beginning to engulf the Cottagers has slightly reduced following the last two games, but Fulham still remain winless in the Premier League and will hope to continue this momentum push before the international break, where afterwards they face the three promoted sides.
Replacing Ruben Amorim in January on a caretaker basis, former United midfielder Michael Carrick revitalised the Reds' fading season and steered the 20-time Premier League champions to third place and a return to the Champions League.
Rewarded with the manager's job permanently, the Reds reportedly splashed out on new players — predominantly from Premier League rivals.
Youri Tielemans arrived two months after winning the Europa League with Aston Villa, Carlos Baleba joined from Brighton, while Andrey Santos swapped West London and Chelsea for the red side of Manchester.
After starting the season with a shock 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Hull City, United regained their poise by smashing another promoted side 5-2 at Ipswich Town in a game which featured a brilliant hat-trick from captain Bruno Fernandes.
So far, consistency has eluded Carrick's men. A thrilling 2-2 draw away at Everton was followed by a victorious return to the Champions League with a 4-0 thumping of Azerbaijan side Sabah FK.
Unrest and pressure are starting to grow at Old Trafford as, following a deflating loss in the Manchester derby last weekend, United capitulated to lose 3-2 to Brighton in midweek and exit the Carabao Cup despite holding a two-goal advantage. As Fulham search for a first home Premier League win against United since 2009, here is all the pre-match information you will need to know.
Cup Respite
Tuesday's 3-2 win in East London was exactly what was needed to build on Fulham's battling display at Anfield.
This game gave fringe players who had enjoyed inconsistent runs in the first team the chance to stake their claim and reinvigorated their Fulham careers.
Pre-match analysis: Can Fulham build momentum vs Man United
Timothy Castagne blocks former Fulham loanee Manor Solomon's cross in Fulham's 3-2 win at the London Stadium. Source: Richard Pelham- Getty Images
A few players grabbed this opportunity and excelled. Carlos Palacios, who at times has looked too fragile and unable to deal with the physical ruthlessness and demands of the Premier League, was superb and displayed his attacking awareness, speed and football intelligence to grab a goal and an assist and was integral to Fulham's creative output.
Rodrigo Muniz scored his second goal of the season with a glancing header into the left-hand corner. Gonçalo Garcia has struggled in the Premier League to really contribute to build-up play, and the Spaniard has often been marked out of the game, although he has not been helped by poor crossing from his full-backs.
If Fulham's number 9 continues to showcase his prowess and build up his own confidence, Arbeloa will have plenty to ponder.
The match at the London Stadium also emphasised the importance of two Fulham youngsters. Both Josh King and Shea Charles made substitute appearances and oozed composure, confidence and class, and have to be considered mainstays in the first team.
Arbeloa's Adaptation
The most eye-catching component of Fulham's draw at Anfield was a few subtle tweaks Arbeloa made to his system.
After the comical defending Fulham displayed against Crystal Palace that led to a chorus of boos from the home fans at full time, the former Real Madrid manager would have been gambling massively if he hadn't altered his set-up against the explosiveness and ruthlessness of Liverpool's attack.
Calvin Bassey impressed against Liverpool. Source: Matt McNulty - Getty Images
Calvin Bassey impressed against Liverpool. Source: Matt McNulty - Getty Images
Against the 24/25 Premier League champions, the travelling West Londoners set deeper and were happier to have less of the ball. The full-backs did not advance as far forward as in previous games, and Fulham's defensive shape, structure and organisation were more evident and compact.
This was helped by the introduction of David Affengruber at right-centre back. The Austrian, who replaced Joachim Andersen in the starting line-up, was extremely impressive, and his quick turn of pace allowed him to backtrack quicker and complement Calvin Bassey's skill set more effectively.
Past Game in Focus: Fulham 1-1 Manchester United (25/26)
Manchester United failed to win at Craven Cottage for the first time in 15 years as Emile Smith Rowe's second-half equaliser secured a point for Fulham.
United started on the front foot; Matheus Cunha's crisp strike deflected off the post, while Bernd Leno made a brilliant save to deny the Brazilian one-on-one 12 minutes later.
Smith Rowe equalises for the home side. Source: Marc Atkins- Getty Images
Smith Rowe equalises for the home side. Source: Marc Atkins- Getty Images
Following a lengthy review, United were awarded a penalty after VAR deemed Calvin Bassey had pushed Mason Mount to the floor.
From the resulting penalty, Bruno Fernandes skied his strike deep into the Hammersmith End, to the delight of the home crowd.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, United took the lead when an unmarked Lenny Yoro glanced home a header following poor defending from Fulham.
Fulham deservedly equalised when Antonne Robinson's cross was flicked on with a superb first touch by the onrushing Smith Rowe, giving Marco Silva's men their second point of the season.
Last Five
Manchester United 3-2 Fulham (25/26)
Fulham 1-1 Manchester United (25/26)
Manchester United 1-1 Fulham (Fulham win 4-3 on pens, FA Cup Round of 16, 24/25)
Fulham 0-1 Manchester United (24/25)
Manchester United 1-0 Fulham (24/25)