Game Week 22 Predictions: United to beat Wolves

Manchester United vs Wolves preview: Team form, key players, and match predictions

 

Wolves will be out to trouble Manchester United on Thursday when both sides meet at the Molineux, how will both sides approach this game? (Photo credit: 90 Mins)

Wolves vs. Manchester United

Molineux Stadium

9:15pm

All the front runners this season managed to pick maximum points in the game week so far, and, with the top four as the dream for Manchester United as things stand, the Red Devils cannot afford to drop points against Wolves.

The Midlands side has a reason to take the battle to United as well; beyond the fact that a win will send them into the top ten on the Premier League log, they will also go level on points with United and could usurp the Red Devils with an emphatic win.

Wolves have not lost any of their last five games in all competitions, with the latest of their wins coming in their 2-0 FA Cup victory over West Brom over the weekend. They forced Brighton to a goalless draw in their last league outing and beat Brentford and Everton in the other two league games.

United isn’t in a good place, and they must start clawing things back before it’s too late. In their 4-2 win over New Port FC, Erik Ten Hag’s side struggled against the third-tier side and had to rally late in the game to secure the win—that was embarrassing, to say the least.

There’s still a lot of room for improvement; the second half is in full gear, and there is no margin for silly mistakes. With no activity in the January window, Ten Hag must maximize his squad, and with players returning to full fitness, he can be excited with choices.

Wolves can rely on the return to fitness of Pedro Neto; the sensational Portuguese is back and already on the score sheet. He will be a thorn down the right flank of Manchester United on Thursday when the Red Devils visit.

All of United’s contingents for national teams have returned. Andre Onana is expected back in goal, but Marcus Rashford is doubtful due to illness. Anthony Martial and Mason Mount are both back in full training; Ten Hag doesn’t have an excuse.

In the reverse fixture, the Wolves felt hard-pressed by a late call that went against them. Onana clattered into a Wolves player at the death, but the referee didn’t point to the spot. The VAR review showed a significant misjudgment from the United keeper, and the Wolves will be out for revenge.

Expect United to attempt to sit back; it’s the style of the club this season, and this explains why they have struggled to find goals. Wolves will be expressive; it will be a game of who wants it more and who can convert chances.

Verdict: Both teams score