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As the excitement builds for the FA Cup fifth-round clash between Manchester United and Fulham at the iconic Old Trafford, fans are eager to see how both teams will approach this crucial fixture. With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, let's delve into what to expect from this exciting encounter.
Team News: What You Need to Know
Manchester United comes into the match without the services of wing-back Patrick Dorgu, who is serving a three-match suspension due to a red card received for serious foul play. His absence leaves a notable gap in the defensive lineup, which manager Ruben Amorim must fill. The possible replacement for Dorgu is Noussair Mazraoui, who showed promise when introduced in the last match against Ipswich Town.
In addition to Dorgu, United is still grappling with injuries to key players including Mason Mount and Luke Shaw, both of whom have been out since December. Other notable absentees are Altay Bayindir, Toby Collyer, Tom Heaton, Amad, Jonny Evans, Kobbie Mainoo, and Lisandro Martinez, creating a challenging situation for the home side.
On the other side, Fulham welcomes back Sasa Lukic following his suspension for yellow card accumulation, a significant boost for their midfield. Emile Smith Rowe is also fit to play, despite a recent ankle injury. However, the Cottagers will continue to miss several long-term absentees including Reiss Nelson, Harry Wilson, and Kenny Tete.
Player Spotlight: Andreas Pereira’s Motivation
One player to watch closely during the match is former Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira. Now an integral part of Fulham, Pereira is determined to deliver a standout performance against his old club. Having struggled to find his footing at United, he has flourished since moving to Fulham and is eager to showcase his skills on such a prominent stage. Pereira believes he never truly received a fair chance at United and is driven to prove that the club made a mistake by letting him go.
"Whenever I play at Old Trafford, I want to show that United made a mistake," Pereira recently stated, emphasizing his desire to leave a lasting impression. His passion and determination could play a crucial role in Fulham’s efforts to cause an upset in this FA Cup tie.
Match Importance
For Manchester United, the FA Cup represents one of their last hopes for silverware this season. Despite their precarious position in the Premier League, fans are hoping for a memorable cup run that could lift spirits around Old Trafford. Amorim has made it clear that winning is a priority, noting, "It's really important for us [the FA Cup], but nowadays everything is important. Like the last win, just the feeling of winning..."
Fulham, currently positioned mid-table, will view this fixture as a chance to elevate their season and gain bragging rights over their rivals. With both teams eager to progress, the match promises to be thrilling.
How to Watch
Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, March 2, at 4:30 p.m. GMT (11:30 a.m. ET) at Old Trafford. Fans looking to catch the action live can do so through various platforms depending on their location. In the UK, the match will be broadcasted free on BBC One and available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. For viewers in the US, the game can be streamed live on ESPN+ for $12 a month.
For Canadians, Sportsnet will cover the match, while fans in Australia can catch the action via Optus Sport. Make sure to set reminders and tune in to witness this exciting FA Cup showdown!
As we build up to this match, both teams will be eager to put their best foot forward in what promises to be an entertaining and competitive clash under the lights at Old Trafford. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell as we look forward to an exhilarating FA Cup matchday.
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