The 2022 World Series starts Friday night when the Houston Astros host the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1. After a perfect run in the American League playoffs, the AL West champs are favored to take the opener and the series.

The Astros have -164 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook to win Game 1 against the Phillies, which are +138 underdogs. Houston is a -190 favorite to take the series from Philadelphia, which is a +165 choice to win it all. First pitch is scheduled for 8:03 p.m. ET on Fox.

The starting pitchers have yet to be officially announced, but Justin Verlander is expected to throw the first pitch of Game 1. Houston's ace was the Game 1 starter in both the ALDS and ALCS. Verlander is an enormous favorite to win the 2022 AL Cy Young award.

Verlander's final start of the regular season was a five-inning, no-hit performance against the Phillies. The 39-year-old struck out 10 batters and walked only one, finishing the season with a 1.75 ERA.

Verlander was roughed up for six runs in four innings against the Seattle Mariners, but he bounced back by giving up one run in six innings against the New York Yankees. Despite plenty of postseason success, Verlander is 0-6 with a 5.68 ERA in his World Series career.

Zack Wheeler is expected to get the start for Philadelphia after pitching in the series openers of the wild-card round and NLCS. After posting a 2.82 ERA in the regular season, Wheeler has four quality starts for a 1.78 ERA in 25 playoff innings. In his career, Wheeler has only faced three of the hitters on Houston's roster.

In 38 career at-bats against Verlander, Philadelphia's hitters have a .184 batting average with two doubles and one home run. Bryce Harper has a pair of singles off Verlander in five at-bats. Jean Segura, J.T. Realmuto and Nick Castellanos have picked up four hits and a homer against Verlander in 24 total at-bats.

Houston has the advantage if the game is decided by the bullpens. In 33.0 innings this postseason, the Astros' relievers have a 0.73 WHIP and a 0.82 ERA. Philadelphia's relievers have pitched to a 3.19 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP.

During the regular season, the Astros won 19 more games than the Phillies. Houston is 7-0 in the playoffs. With their ace on the mound at home and a well-rested bullpen, Houston should take Game 1 of the World Series.

Game 1 Prediction: Houston over Philadelphia, 3-2

Justin Verlander Houston Astros
Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros pitches against the Boston Red Sox during Game One of the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park on October 13, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. Tim Bradbury/Getty Images