This is the Premier League season opener with no season stats or market odds to anchor on, so form and quality gap are the primary signals. Manchester United's recent form shows significantly higher scoring output (1.83 avg) compared to Hull City's modest 1.0 avg, and Hull are severely disrupted by nine confirmed absentees including two goalkeepers (Butland, Darlow out for United but Hull's Butland is the bigger blow). United carry a meaningful quality advantage as a top-flight club facing a newly promoted or returning side in Round 1.