Teams: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United @ Molineux Competition: Premier League Last PL Matches: Bolton 1 0 Wolves & Man United 3 1 Aston Villa Kick Off: 17 30, 5th February, on TV @ ESPN Going into the first weekend of February, after a the mayhem of the transfer window, it is time for teams to really buckle down, focus and start piling on the points. Looking at the league table, with United at the top & Wolves at the bottom, suggests that this fixture should be a formality for FergieÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s men but this will be far from the case. McCarthyÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s men are arguably unlucky to find themselves at the bottom but nevertheless have earned great victories over both Liverpool & Chelsea already this season (with two clean sheets). The Reds will be fully aware of the danger they pose having had two close encounters at the start of the season; Park won the game in the last minute in Premier League (2 1) and Hernandez did the same in the Carling Cup (3 2). please log in to view this image Park Saved Our Blushes in the Reverse Fixture United will be hoping to improve their record of two wins in their last six away matches and Wolves will be looking to halt a run of three consecutive defeats. Ferguson will seemingly have the luxury (touch-wood) of having a whole squad to choose from at Molineux, with the exception of long term absentees Valencia & Hargreaves, with a possible appearance from Ji Sung Park following his exploits in the Asian Cup. Question marks remain as to whether Rafael will return to the line up, having been given a break following his concussion, or if John OÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢Shea has reclaimed the first choice spot following two solid performances recently. Further up the field all United fans will be hoping for a scintillating attacking display as Rooney is hopefully re-finding his form, alongside Dimitar Berbatov, the Premier LeagueÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s leading goal-scorer. VDS Rafael Ferdinand Vidic Evra Nani Scholes Carrick Giggs Rooney Berbatov Key Clash Matthew Jarvis v Rafael The pacey winger gave our defence a torrid time in the Carling Cup match @ Old Trafford and will be hoping to cause similar problems tomorrow. His direct approach and excellent delivery has put him on the fringes of an England call up but he will face much tougher resistance against the athletic Brazilan. If Rafael can restrict the opportunities for the young winger then the Wolves side will struggle to get forward, with UnitedÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s strength in the middle of the park. Similarly, the amount of tracking back Jarvis is willing to do will seriously effect the RedÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢s goal threat as the RB can cause even more damage in the opposition half. It is likely that Jarvis will rotate with Stephen Hunt throughout the match, who is another dangerous wide man. please log in to view this image The Long Shot Specialist Excelled Against Chelsea One to Watch Nenad Milijas The Serbian International, along with Vidic, is considered a long ball specialist. As shown in the diagram above he is not afraid to shoot outside the box (just like our very own Darren Gibson) and when he does he generally hits the target. Wolves ÃÆââ¬Å¡Ãâã2.6 million signing is of a similar mould to Charlie Adam with his sweeping distribution and shooting ability, and even has similar questions asked about his mobility. Regardless, Carrick must try to limit the Serbs opportunities to shoot and influence the game or he has the ability to punish us. My Prediction Wolves 1 2 Manchester United Mick McCarthyÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¹Ã âs men are fighting for Premier League survival and wonÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ã¢ââ¬Å¾Ã¢t give away anything easily (like they did at the Reebok) so United will have to fully commit to the match if they want to take away the three points. However, the Wolves defence is suspect at the best of times and the Reds should be able to outscore them if they perform like they did on Tuesday. Rooney & Nani goals, followed by a Steven Fletcher reply! Note: Ravel Morrison excelled for the Reserves tonight in their 6 1 demolition of Rochdale, lets hope he can get his head down and concentrate on his football. If you liked this match preview, why dont you subscribe to my blog and receive updates on all things United. www.cantheyscore.wordpress.com And follow me on Twitter, @CanTheyScore
Nice write up, I can see Wolves being hard to beat if we don't score early. Most teams are motivated to play against us, particularly in front of their own crowd.
Well they seem to raise their game against the top teams, and then just seem to lose concentration elsewhere. If they do score the crowd will get behind them and they'll just become even harder to break down. I think they have higher fitness levels than Blackpool did too. Cheers for the compliment, any suggestions for improving the format?
