Fulham are expected to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1 under Arbeloa, with Sander Berge and Shea Charles anchoring the midfield. That double pivot is industrious and positionally disciplined, and it will look to screen the space in front of the back four. The key for Fulham is getting the ball quickly through the lines to their wide runners, targeting the half-spaces either side of Youri Tielemans. Arbeloa will have noted that United's midfield, without Ugarte and Baleba, lacks a destroyer — Mainoo and Tielemans are technicians, not enforcers, and the No. 10 ahead of them does not defend. If Fulham can turn this into a midfield dogfight, they can disrupt United's rhythm.

United are also expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1, with Carrick likely recalling Bruno Fernandes to the No. 10 role. That gives them creativity and a goal threat from deep, but it also leaves them vulnerable to counter-attacks through the middle. Harry Maguire will anchor the defence, and after battling Erling Haaland last time out, he should find Gonzalo García a less physically demanding assignment. The battle out wide will be crucial: Fulham's full-backs like to push high, and United's wide forwards — likely Rashford and Mbeumo — have the pace to exploit the space behind. Set-pieces could be decisive; both sides have capable deliverers, and United's height in the box gives them an edge.