Prediction: Wolves vs Manchester United

Verdict: Wolves double chance

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Desperate to claim a Premier League boost on Thursday night, Manchester United will travel to Molineux when they meet Wolves.

Wolves

Starting with the hosts, while Wolves might have opened up the 2023/24 campaign tipped as a potential relegation contender, Gary O’Neil’s side have continued on a remarkable domestic flurry this season. Extending on their FA Cup adventure last weekend following a fiery 2-0 victory away at bitter local rivals West Brom, the former Bournemouth boss should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Signing off 2023 with a statement on home soil as they secured a 3-0 romp against Everton, Wolves have lost just one of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. Skyrocketing their way up the Premier League table and now with their sights set on clinching a top-half finish, O’Neil’s men will also be excited by their extended success on home soil. In fact, on a purple patch that stems all the way back to a 3-1 loss against Liverpool on September 17th, Wolves are unbeaten in all of their last nine contests at Molineux.

Team News

Still away with South Korea at this month’s Asia Cup, Wolves will be without the services of Hee-Chan Hwang on Thursday night. However, crashing out of the Africa Cup of Nations while representing Algeria, full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri could make a first Premier League start since New Year’s Eve.

Bagging an FA Cup strike away at West Brom last weekend and now registering three goals in his previous five domestic appearances across all competitions, ex-Atletico Madrid striker Matheus Cunha will spearhead O’Neil’s charge here. Former Manchester City starlet Thomas Doyle will partner Mario Lemina at the heart of Wolves’ midfield.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, although Manchester United might have eventually clinched a thrilling 4-2 victory away at League Two outfit Newport last weekend, Erik ten Hag’s side have come under increasing scrutiny. Marking their return to Premier League action holding just a three-point buffer from slipping out of the top-half, the former Ajax boss has plenty of pressure on his shoulders. Signing off 2023 with a 2-1 loss at the hands of relegation scrappers Nottingham Forest, the Red Devils have recorded just a single win from any of their previous six Premier League appearances. With their extended rut stemming all the way back to December 6th, ten Hag will also have a real headache over his side’s continued struggles away from Old Trafford. Including a routine 2-0 defeat against West Ham last month, Manchester United have recorded just a single point from their last four top-flight showdowns outside the red half of Manchester.

Team News

Although Marcus Rashford might find himself at the heart of a major controversy, Manchester United have confirmed that the England international is free to feature on Thursday night. However, ten Hag will be unable to call upon the likes of Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia and Swedish international Victor Lindelof.

Likewise, away with Morocco at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations, Fiorentina loanee Sofyan Amrabat will not feature here. Although summer recruit Rasmus Hojlund might have bagged just a pair of Premier League strikes since completing a permanent switch from Atalanta, the Danish starlet will spearhead Manchester United’s charge in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Wolves and Manchester United met for their reverse Premier League showdown on August 14th, the Red Devils picked up a controversial 1-0 win on home soil.
• However, ten Hag’s men have recorded just a single win from any of their previous six Premier League appearances.
• Likewise, Manchester United have collected just a sole point from any of their last four appearances away from Old Trafford.
• Wolves have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 domestic appearances across all competitions.
• Thursday’s hosts have not suffered a single defeat at Molineux since back on September 16th.

Conclusion

Although Wolves might open Thursday’s showdown at Molineux tipped as an underdog contender with the bookmakers, O’Neil’s high-flying squad should be smelling the chance to grab a famous heavyweight scalp. Not suffering a single defeat in front of their own supporters since the end of September, Wolves will be looking to cash in on a Manchester United squad that are enduring another public Premier League struggle. In fact, along with winning just one of their last six top-flight appearances, the midweek gusts have also mustered just a sole point on their travels from a possible 12. Knowing that they can officially leapfrog the former Premier League champions here, we are backing a home double chance.

Verdict: Wolves double chance

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster