Manchester United v Fulham: Premier League preview

ROBIN VAN PERSIE: Striker set for full debut

Robin van Persie is set to make his first start for Manchester United inSaturday's Premier League clash with Fulham at Old Trafford.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted the Dutch striker - who, following his move from Arsenal, made his Reds debut as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat at Everton on Monday - will be promoted to the first XI for the visit of the Cottagers.

Ferguson has also confirmed Van Persie's compatriot and fellow new recruit, full-back Alexander Buttner, will be involved, most likely starting on the bench, and that he will once again be without the defensive quartet of Phil Jones (back), Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling (both foot) and Rio Ferdinand (leg) that was unavailable for the Everton game.

Ferguson said: "I went to see Fulham last Saturday and they played very well.

"It's a football club that's grown tremendously since Roy (Hodgson) got them to the Europa League final (in 2010).

"The place is buzzing with a full-house every week and there's a good atmosphere around the place.

"They have a lot of experience in their team. It won't be an easy game, but we're at home and we need to make an impact quickly after losing on Monday night, and we expect that."

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Clint Dempsey will be missing from Fulham's squad once again.

Dempsey has been unsettled by interest shown by Liverpool according to manager Martin Jol, who has decided the American is not in the ri! ght stat e of mind to play.

Kerim Frei (pelvis) and Philippe Senderos (foot) are unavailable, but Zdenek Grygera (knee) has been passed fit.

Manchester United(from): De Gea, Lindegaard, Rafael, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Nani, Scholes, Carrick, Anderson, Cleverley, Kagawa, Powell, Giggs, Young, Rooney, Van Persie, Welbeck, Hernandez, Berbatov, Macheda, Buttner.

Fulham FC (from): Schwarzer, Stockdale, Somogyi, Etheridge, Kelly, Riise, Hangeland, Baird, Briggs, Grygera, Hughes, Riether, Halliche, Sidwell, Kasami, Duff, Diarra, Kacanicklic, Petric, Ruiz, Rodallega, Trotta.

Key opponent: Hangeland - big defender is in for a busy afternoon but he has ability

Prediction: Manchester United 2 Fulham 0 - Reds should bounce back from Monday's game and anything other than three points would be a major surprise

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

Click below to watch MEN Sport's Reds reporter Stuart Mathieson's view on the game.

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