Betting expert Dennis Knows expects goals at both ends when Fulham host a struggling Manchester United side on Sunday, with United’s attacking players set to benefit from what should be an open, end-to-end contest at Craven Cottage.
Carrick under pressure heading into the break
Another poor result before the extended international break is the last thing Michael Carrick needs right now, with the Manchester United head coach already caught in the kind of familiar cycle that has swallowed up previous managers at Old Trafford. United have won just one of their opening four league matches this season and then squandered a two-goal lead against Brighton in midweek, a collapse that has piled fresh scrutiny on the head coach.
Why this should be an open, attacking game
Backing an away win at Evens is tempting on its own, particularly given Fulham are likely to make this a genuinely open contest that plays into United’s attacking strengths. But the more interesting angle here is a goals-based one rather than a straightforward match-result bet.
These two sides have recorded the joint-highest number of touches in the opposition box of any teams in the Premier League this season, with 139 apiece, a strong indicator of the attacking intent likely to be on show at Craven Cottage.
Josh King the standout angle
One player in particular stands out from that data. No player in the Premier League has touched the ball inside the opposition box more often this season than Fulham’s Josh King, who has racked up 30 such touches already. He has also scored twice from 11 attempts, with five of those efforts testing the goalkeeper.
That combination makes a bet on both teams to score alongside King registering at least one shot on target particularly appealing given the areas he is getting into on a regular basis.
Quick Facts
- Manchester United have won just one of their opening four Premier League matches this season.
- United threw away a 2-0 lead against Brighton in their last outing before this fixture.
- Fulham and Manchester United share the joint-highest total of opposition box touches in the league this season, with 139 each.
- Fulham’s Josh King leads the Premier League for opposition box touches this season, with 30.
- King has scored twice from 11 shots, with five on target, so far this campaign.
Score prediction: Manchester United to edge a five-goal thriller, 3-2.
Fulham host Manchester United on Sunday with kick-off at 6:30pm East Africa Time. Fans across Kenya and the region can catch every kick live on DStv SuperSport as Carrick’s side look to steady the ship before the international break.
