#五大联赛赛前预测官 ｜Do you even need to guess this match? The Red Devils have it in the bag

⏰ August 22, 19:30

To be honest, this is the only one of the three matches I chose to write about—not for any other reason, but because this one is just too safe a pick. You could choose it with your eyes closed.

Hull City? A newly promoted team that hasn't played in the Premier League for nine years, with the entire squad worth only a fraction of Manchester United's. Even more absurdly, their current injury list could make up an entire starting XI—goalkeeper Butland, defender Hughes, midfielder Hidemasa Morita, and nearly ten players in total are unavailable. With such a depleted squad, how can they possibly compete with Manchester United? I reckon their manager is already overwhelmed, struggling even to figure out his lineup.

As for Manchester United, after Carrick took over last season, he led them directly from seventh to third. This summer, they also spent big to sign Tielemans and André Santos, taking their midfield strength to another level. The entire squad is worth nearly 900 million, the lineup is intact, and the few minor injuries will not affect the overall picture.

The head-to-head record needs no explanation either: Manchester United have beaten Hull City 10 times and drawn once in 11 matches, while Hull City have never beaten Manchester United in Premier League history. With that psychological disadvantage, Hull's players will have weak legs the moment they step onto the pitch.

Tactically, Hull will definitely park the bus and defend deep with five at the back. The problem is that they cannot even put together their strongest lineup, so whether they can set up the bus properly is itself a question. Once Manchester United gain control of the midfield, Tielemans' long-range shooting and B. Fernandes' distribution give them plenty of ways to break down a packed defense. Hull also lack any real threat up front, so even snatching a goal will be difficult.

Put simply, this match is a complete mismatch. Hull's home fans can enjoy the atmosphere, but expecting them to take points is unrealistic.

My prediction: Hull City 0-2 Manchester United

Manchester United will take all three points away from home and get off to a solid winning start. 🎯

#Premier League pre-match prediction specialist