Premier League 2022-23: Manchester United vs Wolves: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The race for the top 4 has heated up as The Red Devils host Wolves in what could be a crucial three pointer at Old Trafford

Two consecutive away losses on the trot for the Red Devils against Brighton and West Ham have got Liverpool right back into the contention for a top 4 spot as they now find themselves within a point of Manchester United having played a game more.

Erik Ten Haag's men are yet to face Chelsea in the Premier League and this fixture demands three points to keep them pushing forward. Manchester United lost the exact same fixture by 1-0 last season-they have not lost consecutive home league games against Wolves since a run of three between March 1960 and September 1961.

Wolves have secured their Premier League status for next season after a brilliant set of results in the past weeks. They can breathe a sigh of relief and be the party spoilers for the Red Devils at Old Trafford. However, Wolves have lost 10 of their 11 Premier League games away from home against sides starting the day in the top four (D1) since winning 2-0 against Manchester City in October 2019.

They have just scored four in those 11 matches, while shipping 23. The last nine meetings between Manchester United and Wolves in all competitions have produced just 10 goals (7 for Manchester United, 3 for Wolves), with just three goals being scored in the four games at Old Trafford in that run.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, 13-05-2023, 02:00 PM (GMT)

Saturday, 13-05-2023, 07:30 PM (IST)

Manchester United Form (All Competitions): L-L-W-D-W

Wolves Form (All Competitions): W-L-W-L-W

Player to Watch Out

Manchester United: Marcus Rashford

In reality, he has always played the striking role with a slighting towards the flank, drifting away from central areas of the pitch to receive the ball in wider areas, where he can then turn and drive at defenders with more space to work in. But this season, more than ever, he settled into an established position: an advanced left-wing role that pushes him onto the shoulder of the opposing backline but starts from wider, providing him with opportunities to dribble at -and invariably by -an isolated defender and space to burst into with his runs off the ball.

Wolves: Diego Costa

He uses his physicality to hold up the ball. This is crucial in counterattacking football, as when the team wins the ball back, most of the team is deep in their box, and flooded with opposition players. Diego Costa, as a Targetman, will stand far ahead, away from the chaos and wait. When the team gets the ball back, they will lob it forward to him, he will collect it and hold on to it (using his physique to keep defenders away) until his teammates can rush close enough to support him and carry on the attack.

Match Facts

Manchester United have won 24 matches at Old Trafford in all competitions this season; only in 2002-03 (27), 2007-08 (25) and 2010-11 (26) have the Red Devils enjoyed more home wins in a single campaign.

The away side has won each of the last four meetings between Manchester United and Wolves, though three of these victories came for the Red Devils at Molineux.

Injury and Team News

Manchester United are without the back pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane which has cost them heavily. Both have suffered from foot injuries and are out for the remainder of the season. Donny Van de Beek and Scott Mctominay are also notable miss outs for this fixture. It is likely that Fred might get the nod ahead of Cristian Eriksen after a disappointing performance by the Belgian against West Ham. Anthony Martial will come off the bench most probably with Sancho and Antony most likely to start on the wings.

Wolves do not have much injury concern in their ranks but Julian Lopetegui has been rotating his squad very diligently. Matheus Cunha has been among the goals which has sidelined Daniel Podence even though both of them being impressive this season. Mario Lemina has been an immaculate presence in the midfield alongside Ruben Neves with Diego Costa starting up front.

Head-to-head Stats

Matches – 23

Manchester United– 14

Draws – 4

Wolves– 5

Predicted Lineup

Manchester United Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): 

De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, L. Shaw, T. Malacia; Casemiro, Fred; Sancho, B. Fernandes, Antony; M. Rashford

Wolves Predicted lineup (4-4-2): 

J. Sa; Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, T. Gomes; M. Nunes, R. Neves, M. Lemina, P. Neto; M. Cunha, D. Costa

Prediction for Manchester United vs Wolves

Although Manchester United have been in off form lately and find themselves in an awkard situation, Wolves will have to prove their mettle once again if they are to upset the odds. Otherwise, we are predicting Erik ten Hag's men to comfortably see out this fixture with three points on board.

Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Wolves.

Telecast

India – Star Sports Select 1 and Star Sports Select 2.

UK – Sky, BT & Amazon with highlights on BBC TV.

USA –NBC, USA Network, NBCSports.com and Peacock.

Nigeria – SportLemon.tv.