Manchester United: Picking the Red Devils' Starting XI to Beat Fulham

Manchester City, after an emphatic come-from-behind win over Chelsea, have closed the deficit at the top of the Premier League to a mere point. 

On Monday, Manchester United entertain Fulham at Old Trafford, and they will be looking to walk away with all three points to maintain their lead over their cross-town rivals. 

While United thrashed Fulham by five goals to nil in a fixture earlier in the season, Fulham can be a tough opposition. The Cottagers have held both Chelsea and Manchester City in the past and have defeated Arsenal and Liverpool.  

Here's picking Manchester United's starting 11 for the game. 

Goalkeeper: David De Gea

Sir Alex Ferguson's goalkeeping choices remain limited with Anders Lindegaard sidelined due to injury. However, even if he were fit, I'd expect David de Gea to be given the nod. 

De Gea has been excellent for the past several games, and it seems he has grown in stature and in confidence. 

Defenders

Fabio

Patrice Evra has been deteriorating in form, and I am going to go with Fabio to start over him. 

Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand is another veteran who seems to be wavering in form. However, I think he will be the first choice for this game. He will also captain the side in Evra's absence. 

Jonny Evans

Jonny Evans has been a great defender thus far, and he will be picked to partner Ferdinand.

Rafael

Rafael will surely start at right back, as he has been immense after coming back from injury. He also combines well with Antonio Valencia on the right flank. 

Midfielders

Ashley Young

Expect Ashley Young to operate on the left flank and make incisive passes towards the center. 

Paul Pogba

Although it seems that Paul Scholes will most definitely enjoy another 90 minutes during this game, Paul Pogba will be picked for this game ahead of him as long as his passing stays as exceptional as it was in last week's match against Wolverhampton. 

Pogba remains a dilemma, but more playing time for the Frenchman might be beneficial to both parties.  

Michael Carrick

One of United's best players, Michael Carrick, in all likelihood will be started. His exceptional passing and vision will come in handy against Fulham. 

Antonio Valencia

Antonio Valencia is having a tremendous season so far. He has established himself as one of the best right wingers in the league and will be a tremendous presence again in the game against Fulham. 

Strikers

Wayne Rooney

Expect Wayne Rooney to put in an exceptional performance and terrorize the Fulham defense. 

Javier Hernandez

The little pea put in a superb performance last week against Wolverhampton, netting two goals. He will, in all likelihood, start over Danny Welbeck this week.

Substitutes

The following players will be the substitutes:

Ben Amos

Chris Smalling

Patrice Evra

Phil Jones

Luis Nani

Paul Scholes

Danny Welbeck

What do you think of the line up? Please leave your opinions. 

Follow me on Twitter: @BrenGoetze