* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Fulham and Middlesbrough fans will be looking on enviously at most of the rest of the division getting underway on Saturday, but it could be worth the wait as they kick off 2021/22 on Sunday in this fascinating lunch time encounter on the telly. A man with panache, style, grace and charm takes on *checks notes* Marco Silva at Craven Cottage in the Portuguese’s first match as Fulham manager.
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That’s right, Mr Championship, Neil Warnock is still knocking about. He’s still at Boro and actually did a pretty decent job last season, guiding his side to 10th, but they were a long way short of the playoffs. Fulham are aiming for one thing, promotion, but can they get off to a good start against a tricky Middlesbrough side?
Sunday 12:30 Fulham v Middlesbrough
Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football
Safe Bet: Under 2.5 Goals
I don’t think this safe bet needs too much justification, but you can have some anyway. Marco Silva is going to try and implement an attacking, fluid style at Fulham but his plans won’t get much sterner a test than against a Boro side managed by Warnock on the road.
I have a sneaky feeling Silva will get a second-tier schooling from Middlesbrough and their wily boss, but we’ll save that for later. This could get dragged into the gutter and I find it hard to see anything other than Under 2.5 Goals.
Value punt: Middlesbrough to Win
Look, there’s a really good chance that Fulham will have the quality to negate any dark arts or set-piece chicanery that Middlesbrough might throw at them on Sunday. But there’s a big enough chance to oppose them, I think.
The Cottagers are massive favourites on home soil but I just have a sneaky feeling that Silva is going to get a rude awakening to what life is going to be like in The Championship this year. At a very nice price, Middlesbrough to Win is your value play.
Long Shot: Middlesbrough to Win 1-0
Boro were a little leakier than you might have expected last season, shipping 53 goals over their 46 games. But, with another pre season and transfer window under Warnock’s hefty belt, you can guarantee that is one area they will have improved on.
Fulham, on the other hand, are getting used to a new manager in a new division and might take some time to click. The prices are pushing me towards Boro and it might be worth taking a punt on them to keep a clean sheet while winning this one narrowly. At a stoking price, Middlesbrough to Win 1-0 is your long shot here.
Tips for Fulham v Middlesbrough
Safe Bet: Under 2.5 Goals
Value Punt: Middlesbrough to Win
Long Shot: Middlesbrough to Win 1-0
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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