Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 9/4
Bookmaker: 888sport
Wolverhampton Wanderers will welcome Manchester United to the Molineux on Monday evening, in what will be the last game of the second round of the 2019/20 Premier League season.
United didn’t fare too well on the last occasion they played there, when a strike from Diogo Jota and a Chris Smalling own-goal overturned Scott McTominay’s opener and made sure all three points stayed at home. To make matters worse, Ashley Young earned his second yellow card before the hour-mark, leaving his team hanging with 10 men.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves have been one of the most pleasant surprises of the Premier League since their return to the top flight last summer. Even before that they were known to upset top sides in cup competitions, but now, manager Nuno Espirito Santo has put together a truly formidable team. A few very good players joined their ranks this summer too, namely defender Jesus Vallejo who arrived on loan from Real Madrid, and forward Patrick Cutrone who comes from AC Milan.
They’ve gone past Crusaders FC and Pyunik in the Europa League qualifications quite comfortably, and they’re now set to take on Serie A side Torino for a place in the group stages.
Their league campaign started with a 0-0 draw away to Leicester City, but this game is likely to give a better picture of just how good they really are.
Team News
Having made nine changes in their 4-0 triumph over Pyunik on Thursday, Espirito Santo is likely to revert to the team that started at the King Power Stadium last week for this clash. Jota and Raul Jimenez are both expected to be in the team.
Manchester United
The 20-time English champions have been going through ups and downs in a long overstretched transition period ever since their legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. They will be hoping that with former forward Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the search for the right man for the job is over.
Like those before him, the Norwegian has been heavily backed by the club in the transfer market this summer. The club signed defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace and Harry Maguire from Leicester for hefty fees, and added 21-year-old winger Daniel James from Leeds United as well. Meanwhile, they’ve parted ways with out-of-favour striker Romelu Lukaku, and Ander Herrera left to join Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.
United started the 2019/20 Premier League campaign in a thunderous way, by running over Chelsea 4-0 at Old Trafford. The players will certainly be boosted and their confidence raised ahead of the Wolverhampton trip.
Team News
Defenders Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Eric Bailly are out with knee injuries, but it will be interesting to see if Alexis Sanchez, who is a subject of heavy speculation lately, will make the match-day squad. Solskjaer has revealed that the Chilean forward is “close to returning” after a late start to the pre-season.
Conclusion
Expect this one to be a good, entertaining game, in which neither team will be feeling any fear or pressure. They will be aware that a good start to the season is often crucial.
Wolves certainly have the quality to hold United off, but it’s hard to imagine the visitors allowing themselves to get beaten. Therefore, a share of the spoils might be worth placing a bet on.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 9/4
Bookmaker: 888sport
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