Fulham are desperate to move out of the cellar of the Premier League. The Cottagers have been in last place for much of the season, and their defense has been to blame. They are allowing 2.5 goals per game on average, far more than any other team in the EPL, and that might lead to them sinking back down to Championship in May. That would be a disaster right before Premier League payouts are set to drastically increase with a new television deal, and Fulham spent nearly 100 million pounds this offseason to avoid that fate. They are heavy underdogs on the road against Manchester United this Saturday.
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English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Manchester United -321
Fulham +810
Draw +455
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
Manchester United are on a three-match winless streak in the Premier League entering this one. It’s been a rough year for Jose Mourinho and the Red Devils, and although they have qualified for the knockout rounds of the Champions League, making it back to that competition next year is looking unlikely. They are sitting in eighth place in the Premier League, and they currently have a negative goal differential. United were fortunate to pick up a draw after falling behind Southampton 2-0 on the road last week. They will host Arsenal on Wednesday prior to this clash.
Meanwhile, the Cottagers continue to underwhelm. They did get a big win over Southampton two weeks ago to close the gap on other teams currently in the relegation zone, but they are still in last place and have a -21 goal differential. Fulham lost 2-0 to Chelsea last week, and they will host Leicester City on Wednesday.
Key Injuries
Floyd Ayite is set to miss this match for Fulham. He has only played sparingly this season, and he has been ruled out of this one with a strained groin. Kevin McDonald is considered doubtful to play due to a strained hamstring.
The Red Devils are dealing with a number of injuries headed into this match. Alexis Sanchez, Victor Lindelof, and Ashley Young are all set to miss the match, and six others might be on the sidelines as well. Phil Jones, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Eric Bailly, and Chris Smalling have all been listed as questionable, while Antonio Valencia is doubtful to play.
Matchup to Watch
Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku could have big days against Fulham’s back line. The Cottagers have been run through constantly over the course of the campaign, and this could be a match where Mourinho turns Pogba loose instead of asking him to play more of a holding role. Lukaku has been playing great in recent weeks, and if he is given space he could register a brace.
Prop Bet of the Game – Over 3 and 3.5 +106
Keep an eye on Manchester United’s injury situation prior to making any play. They have a tough match against Arsenal on Wednesday, and injuries could factor into that one. However, if they are relatively healthy, the over is a great play here. No defense has been even close to as bud as Fulham’s has been, and it will take some time for Claudio Ranieri’s 4-4-2 to take shape. The forwards could feast given the confusion, especially as Fulham don’t have the depth of Manchester United.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I look for this to be a high-scoring game. Both clubs tend to play relatively high-scoring games, and while I believe Ranieri will eventually fix the problems in the back, it will take time. Until then, United should have the run of play, but Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andre Schurrle will make things interesting.
English Premier League Odds: Manchester United 3, Fulham 2
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