Harry Diamond
Manchester United host Wolves this weekend in a fixture which could have huge implications on the race to secure Champions League qualification, and the third meeting already between the two sides since the new year.
Here is all you need to know about Saturday’s clash at Old Trafford…
Form
Manchester United: LLWLW
Three defeats in their past five league fixtures has derailed the club’s hopes of a top four finish, with the dismal display in losing at home to Burnley last time out greeted by jeers and a mass exit from the Old Trafford support.
Despite their indifferent form so far this season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side remain just six points off the Champions League places as each of the top four challengers continue to struggle for consistency.
Marcus Rashford’s extended absence is a major blow, though the recent signing of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon has lifted optimism around the club, the Portuguese international likely to provide creativity and a goal threat that has been sorely lacking from the Red Devils’ midfield.
United face Wolves and Chelsea in their next two fixtures, two sides also in contention for European football, in what could prove to be a defining period for the club this season.
Wolves: LWDLL
Like United, Wolves have struggled for consistency of late with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side having lost three of their past five league fixtures, winning once.
Two of those defeats have come to leaders Liverpool, though the demands of the club’s early start to the season with Europa League involvement could be playing a part in their recent dip.
Wolves have already played 40 games in all competitions so far this season, a heavy work-load on a squad that perhaps lacks the depth of some of their rivals near the top of the Premier League.
That said, they remain level on points with this weekend’s opponents and just six points outside the Champions League places, the club remaining well in contention for another memorable season.
Last meeting
Manchester United 1-0 Wolves, 15th January 2020
The two sides met just two weeks ago, playing out a replay after a goalless draw at Molineux in their first meeting in the FA Cup third round.
Both sides would field strong line ups for the clash but it would be United who would advance at Old Trafford, Juan Mata scoring the only goal of the game to book a fourth round tie at Tranmere.
Contests between the duo have typically been close fought affairs of late, with three draws in the past six meetings in all competitions.
Predicted Line ups
Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Williams; Fred, Pereira, Mata; Greenwood, Martial
Wolves: Patricio; Doherty, Dendoncker, Coady, Saiss, Jonny; Moutinho, Neves, Neto; Traore, Jimenez
Who is the referee?
Paul Tierney.
How can I watch Manchester United v Wolves?
UK readers can watch the game on Sky Sports Main Event, whilst US fans can view the fixture on fuboTV.
What time is kick off?
17:30 BST.
Odds
Manchester United – 23/20
Draw – 23/10
Wolves – 5/2
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