By Matt Smith
United will be desperate to try and discover some consistent form after some disappointing results of late, and Wolves could be the perfect opportunity for them to bounce back.
When these two sides last met back in April, Wolves secured an impressive 1-0 victory to complete a league double over United, with Pablo Sarabia scoring a second-half winner.
Team news
Wolves were dealt a huge blow in their previous game, with midfielder João Gomes picking up his fifth yellow card of the season, meaning he will be suspended for this one. Marshall Munetsi will also miss out after picking up a calf injury, while Ladislav Krejčí, Fer López, and Hugo Bueno are doubts.
Looking at United, Ruben Amorim’s side received a huge boost of late, with Lisandro Martínez returning from injury. It could be ideal timing, with Matthijs de Ligt picking up an injury last time out, but there is a chance the Dutch defender is fit enough to face Wolves.
Wolves’ issues are no secret
Scoring more goals than you concede is the not-so-secret formula to winning football matches, and it’s something Wolves have been unable to discover this season. No side in the Premier League has scored fewer than Wolves, while no side has conceded more goals.
Rob Edwards was recently appointed as Wolves’ new manager following Vítor Pereira’s sacking, but we’re yet to see improvement from the Midlands club. Wolves have played three times under Edwards’ tutelage, conceding four goals while failing to hit the back of the net.
Defensive frailties letting Man Utd down
Amorim’s side haven’t been free-flowing in the final third this season, but it’s certainly their defensive efforts that have let them down. United have kept just one clean sheet in the Premier League this term, conceding 1.5 goals per game.
Over the past five games, United have conceded seven goals, winning just once during that time. The pressure is mounting on Amorim after their recent draw against struggling West Ham, and the scrutiny is likely to increase drastically if they fail to secure three points against Wolves.
Cunha to haunt his former club
Matheus Cunha hasn’t hit the heights expected of him this season since his arrival from Wolves, but he recently spent a period on the treatment table due to injury. The Brazilian forward has scored just once in the Premier League this campaign, but it feels like the ideal time for him to kickstart his season.
Screenshot
Cunha returned to action last week after almost a month out, and despite his struggles with form, Wolves fans will be keeping a close eye on their former player as they know what he’s capable of producing.
Prediction
Despite United’s recent difficulties, it’s hard to see Wolves picking up their first win here. We’re going for a 2-0 victory to Amorim’s side in this one.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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