Prediction: Manchester United vs Wolves

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League returns this weekend as players and fans look forward to the final set of fixtures before the introduction of the winter break. While teams may be happy about getting a bit of time off they’ll also want to stay focused for their respective tasks ahead, with the late kick-off on Saturday being particularly intriguing. The game in question will see Manchester United host Wolverhampton Wanderers as both try and give their top four hopes a boost at Old Trafford.

Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a set of problems as long as the English Channel right now, and all he wants is for United to start putting some real pressure on Chelsea in the race for fourth place. Their shortcomings in the January transfer window have been worrisome to say the least, but beyond that, they just need to start piecing results together. If they’re unable to do so, the calls for the Norwegian’s head will undoubtedly continue.

Team News

Bruno Fernandes is expected to make his debut although Matic will be suspended, with Rojo, Tuanzebe, McTominay, Pogba, Rashford and potentially Fosu-Mensah all still being out of action.

Wolves

The concern around Molineux right now stems from both their poor run of form as of late in addition to their lack of incomings during the January transfer window. Nuno Espirito Santo has always been able to wave his magic wand and do some great things with this club, but if they can’t put together a good run of results soon, then questions will start to be asked about the direction they’re heading in – and that’s the last thing they want with the return of the Europa League being right around the corner.

Team News

Boly and Jota could both come into the starting XI here with Podence being tipped to make his debut after arriving from Olympiacos. The only injury problem comes in the form of Ruben Vinagre who has already been ruled out.

Factors to Consider

• These two sides have already met twice in the last month – a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup and a 1-0 win for United in the replay.
• Manchester United have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Wolves have won one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games.
• Manchester United have scored 12 goals and conceded four in their last six games.
• Wolves have scored six goals and conceded eight in their last six games.

Conclusion

These two teams are incredibly familiar with one another and while we do think Wolves are going to go a little bit more gung-ho than they did in the FA Cup, United are actually quite strong defensively. Unfortunately, they’re really struggling to make any kind of impact up top, which is why we think this will be another goalless draw between these two giants of English football – ensuring that nobody wants to see the fixture happen again for a very long time.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: bet365