We’re in Matchweek 36 of the Premier League, and the drama is only increasing. Manchester United is close to clinching its bronze finish in the league, while the upstart Sunderland is chasing Europe during its first Premier League season since 2017. This is going to be a fun clash.

Manchester United are -110 moneyline favorites for this one on DraftKings Sportsbook, with a draw available at +275. If you’re keen on an upset, Sunderland is priced at +290.

Sunderland vs. Manchester United Prediction, Pick

Sunderland has been a very pleasant surprise in its return to the Premier League. Four years ago, the club was all the way down in League One before getting promoted, and it took only three seasons to get promoted from the Championship. It’s safe from relegation by a mile, avoiding the dreaded yo-yo season. And if Sunderland plays its cards right down the stretch, it could find itself with a spot in the Europa or European Conference League.

Nailing its summer transactions is what got the club here. Sunderland bought Granit Xhaka and Nordi Mukiele from Bayer Leverkusen, two crucial parts of a league-winning team. Those two played crucial defensive roles while being tied for second on the team in goal contributions. Brian Brobbey is the team’s go-to striker, leading in goals scored after coming over from Ajax. Omar Alderete has also been a key part of the defense since joining from Getafe.

Scoring goals hasn’t been its thing—the club is fourth to last in total goals scored this year, and two of the three below them are heading for relegation—but a keen defense has fueled its success. At 47 points, it’s five back of the Europa League and four back of the Conference League bids. If the cards are dealt favorably, its summer transfer window becomes all the more appealing.

Speaking of favorable windows, Manchester United’s turn of fortune has been incredible. Vibes under manager Ruben Amorim were horrendous after finishing a crushing 15th in the Prem last season, and a lackluster start to this season assured his sacking. Under Amorim, the Red Devils won only 40% of matches, grabbing 1.6 points per game. Now that Michael Carrick is at the helm, all is well; it’s up to a 71% winning percentage with 2.3 points per game.

Of course, none of this is possible without Bruno Fernandes. United’s star man has taken it to a new level this year, racking up 19 assists to go with eight goals. One more assist puts him level with Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry for the all-time single-season record. Pretty good company, if you ask me. He’s also lapping the field in chance creation, so it’s no accident that he is chasing history. Fernandes is up to 120 chances created, and the second-most on the season is Dominik Szoboszlai with 65. Unreal stuff.

United has found itself in many high-scoring matches recently; seven of its last eight games have seen both teams score. That’s not exactly the Sunderland style, which wants to grind you down into a gritty, defensive game. Ultimately, I expect United’s elite run of form and attacking talent to win the day. Sunderland will be overwhelmed by the talent disparity, and Michael Carrick’s boys will pick up another three points.

Best Bet: Manchester United Moneyline (-110)