The 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off this Friday, as Manchester United play host to Fulham.
In this article, I’ll break down my favorite bet on DraftKings Sportsbook for this match between the Red Devils and Cottagers. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Place your bets at DraftKings Sportsbook or by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
Fulham To Win (+450)
I’m rolling with the upset to open the 24/25 Premier League campaign!
United are beginning their season at home for the eighth consecutive year, a league record. Suiting up at Old Trafford will be a comfort for Erik ten Hag’s squad, but from a historical standpoint, the numbers suggest it may not be as much of an advantage as the home fans would like.
Three of the last four meetings between these sides have resulted in victories for the away team, including their most recent match in February of last season, where a 97th-minute goal from Alex Iwobi propelled Fulham to secure the upset. The Red Devils weren’t exactly spectacular in their own stadium for the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign, losing six of 19 matches, which was a drastic downgrade in quality from the prior season in which they only dropped one game at Old Trafford.
It’s also worth noting that United aren’t exactly fit to open the season, as Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw and Rasmus Højlund are all set to miss Friday’s clash.
Taking a look at this match from Fulham’s perspective, there’s actually quite a bit to like about their chances.
Manager Marco Silva is no stranger to opening week success. While it hasn’t all been with Fulham, the Portuguese boss is undefeated in each of his last nine league openers. From a club perspective, the Cottagers are almost as elite when it comes to starting the year strong, losing just two of their nine opening matches in the Premier League. Silva is hoping the arrival of Emile Smith Rowe — who scored in his only starting appearance at Old Trafford for Arsenal — will bolster his squad’s attack and jumpstart their season with a win on the road.
United are the more talented side, but a lot of advanced analytics favor Fulham’s chances of pulling off the upset. At +450, it’s a very enticing line for the Cottagers.
That’s my favorite DraftKings Sportsbook for Manchester United vs. Fulham! Stay tuned for more picks later this week.
