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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Bobby Zamora of Fulham in action with Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on March 14, 2010 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Mic
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Bobby Zamora of Fulham in action with Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on March 14, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by MicMichael Regan/Getty Images

Fulham vs. Manchester United: Possible Starting XI for United

Zaakir HoosenAug 19, 2010

Sunday afternoon will see Fulham host Manchester United at Craven Cottage in what is expected to be a closely watched game.

Fulham under former United player Mark Hughes will be up for the challenge to once again go head-to-head with his master, Sir Alex.

But what seems a relatively easy match-up for the former champions could be more than just that, Fulham could prove to frustrating at home and also have enough going forward.

United on the other hand, have an amazing squad with immense attacking ability and great depth that has already over-come Newcastle United.

As Ferguson made clear last week, goals are vital, getting a comfortable goal difference is important come the end of the season, with Chelsea having scored six already, it seems United are going to have to play catch up...

Formation

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With it been only the second match for United, we could see the same possible 4-4-2 formation. Playing two strikers is no doubt, with one of the two central midfielders playing  a more defensive role.

Fulham do move forward at pace so United will have to be wary of that fact, but looking at the players available, Fergie will be comfortable.

GK: Edwin Van Der Sar

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HOUSTON - JULY 28:  Edwin van der Sar #1 of Manchester United is seen in action during the MLS All Star Game at Reliant Stadium on July 28, 2010 in Houston, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
HOUSTON - JULY 28: Edwin van der Sar #1 of Manchester United is seen in action during the MLS All Star Game at Reliant Stadium on July 28, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The former Fulham keeper, now the No.1 at Manchester United has been key at the back, he will look to continue leading the defensive lines.

RB: Wes Brown

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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 06:  Matt Jarvis (R) of Wolves battles with Wes Brown of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on March 6, 2010 in Wolverhampton, England
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Matt Jarvis (R) of Wolves battles with Wes Brown of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on March 6, 2010 in Wolverhampton, England

Brown has been in and out of the starting eleven since the arrival of young Brazilian right back Rafael. But when called upon his delivered to the expectations of Sir Alex.

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CD: Nemanja Vidic

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LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08:  Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United battles with Ashley Cole of Chelsea during the FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on August 8, 2010 in London, England.  (Photo by Laurence Gr
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United battles with Ashley Cole of Chelsea during the FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on August 8, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Gr

His name is one of those that is the first on the team sheet, his contribution cannot be summed up in a nutshell. He brings a sort-of security to proceedings, always giving 110%, throwing himself into every tackle.

Vida is also always attacking the ball during set pieces an has scored vital goals for United in the past.

CD: Chris Smalling

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LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08:  Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United collects the ball from Chris Smalling after he loses the ball under pressure by Salomon Kalou of Chelsea during the FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United collects the ball from Chris Smalling after he loses the ball under pressure by Salomon Kalou of Chelsea during the FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley

Another former Fulham player could get an opportunity to impress his new boss, Chris brings the height factor and could be instrumental in keeping Zamora quite. 

LB: Patrice Evra

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16:  Patrice Evra of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2010 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Patrice Evra of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty

No matter what the situation is between Patrice and his International team, he seems to always give his all for his club. Now forming a huge part of the game plan, his style of play running the down the flanks supporting the wingers and the strikers is what his all about.

Evra's speed and quick feet has always contributed positively to United's cause.

RM: Antonio Valencia

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16:  Antonio Valencia of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2010 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Ge
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Antonio Valencia of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Ge

Since his arrival Antonio has become one of the key providers for the front men, his pace along the wings and quick crosses is what makes him amongst the best out and out wingers in the league.

CM/DM: Darren Fletcher

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16:  Darren Fletcher of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2010 in Manchester, Engl
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Darren Fletcher of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2010 in Manchester, Engl

A worker, fighter and truly passionate player...

Fletcher is one of the son's of Old Trafford, his commitment and desire is what makes him a great player. He might not provide the flashy stuff but when the effort is required, the boss turns to him to provide.

CM: Paul Scholes

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16:  Paul Scholes of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2010 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Paul Scholes of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty

His contribution in the last two games has been hailed as some of his best in recent years, clear cut short passing, brilliant ball distribution and amazing long range passes makes Scholes one of the best in the central positions.

No doubt his place in the starting eleven, with the clear intention to break down defenses.

LM: Nani

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16:  Nani of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2010 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Nani of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The Portuguese International has come about and showed more maturity recently, he seems more hungry and ready for the season, with something to prove. This could just be his season...

CF: Dimitar Berbatov

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16:  Dimitar Berbatov of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2010 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Ge
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Dimitar Berbatov of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Ge

Ferguson shocked many when he brought the Bulgarian to Old Trafford for just over 30 Million Pounds, and then it seemed it was the worst signing ever, but since pre-season and now into two matches (Charity Shield & Newcastle United) Berba is more energized and raring to go.

His looking sharper, more focused and one of the key stand outs from his performances is that he is putting in the paces.

From the outset it looks as if he could be scoring many more goals this season. Berbatov will obviously be fighting for a position with Michael Owen.

In many respects, Owen would get a nod ahead of Berbatov for this match, but Dimitar's performances so far has measured him as a starter rather than an impact player.

I'm looking forward to seeing his season unfold, and hoping he provides us with gutter load of goals.

ST: Wayne Rooney

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16:  Wayne Rooney of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2010 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 16, 2010 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty

To be quite honest i wouldn't start with Wayne, he seems out of touch and a little on the wary side. But then again all he needs a one good match to get him up an running again.

But there's no doubt Ferguson will leave him out of the line-up, Rooney needs matches and the start of the season could be beneficial for him. With Berbatov and Co getting the goals, it will allow him to ease into his rhythm.

My choice would be Owen, I feel with pace one the wings it will allow United to go with two lesser paced forwards.

On the other choice been Chicharito, he has the pace to get behind defenders and could be a handful, the only problem been a lack of experience.

Nevertheless Wayne could surprise us all and come out with a match winning performance.

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