Manchester United go to Fulham on Sunday at 16:30 BST with four points from four Premier League games and two straight defeats behind them. Fulham have one point, the fewest in the division, and have not won all season.

It is the last fixture of the weekend and the last before the international break, which lends it a weight neither side's form has earned. Whoever loses will sit with it for a fortnight.

Fulham are without two, and a third is a late call

Fulham confirmed on Friday that Kenny Tete will miss the game under concussion protocols, after the ball struck him during the goalless draw at Anfield, and that captain Tom Cairney is still recovering. Ryan Sessegnon, who has missed the last two matches with a groin problem, has a chance of making the squad.

Álvaro Arbeloa made nine changes for the midweek Carabao Cup win at West Ham and is expected to move back towards the side that held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw last weekend. That point is the only one Fulham have taken all season.

Carrick has two late calls of his own

Michael Carrick said at his Friday press conference that Luke Shaw and Carlos Baleba both have a chance of featuring, without committing to either. Shaw's problem is a short-term one and has cost him the last three games. Baleba has not played for United at all since his summer move from Brighton, having arrived with an ankle injury picked up in pre-season. Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Amad Diallo are all out. Patrick Dorgu, rested in midweek, is expected back in contention.

The week Carrick is being asked about

United lost the Manchester derby at home to a City side that played more than an hour with ten men, then went out of the Carabao Cup after leading Brighton 2-0. It was the first time since 1976 that United had lost at Old Trafford having been two goals up. Carrick was asked about all of it before this game and would not accept the framing.

It's not a catastrophe or a disaster. It's not the end of the world.

Michael Carrick, speaking to Sky Sports on Friday

What a result actually changes

Fulham have drawn one and lost three, so only a win moves them in any meaningful way, and it would be their first of the season. Manchester United go to seven points from five games if they win, and stay on four from five if they lose. Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Sunderland all play earlier on Sunday, so the table around United will have moved before this one kicks off.

Kick-off at Craven Cottage is 16:30 BST.