Premier League
Wolverhampton vs Manchester United Preview
Wolves host the Red Devils in their first home game of the new Premier League season.
- Date: Monday, August 20, 2019
- Time: 3:00 p.m. (EST)
- Network: NBCSN, Telemundo
- Location: Wolverhampton, England, UK
- Venue: Molineux Stadium
- Capacity: 31,700
After an exciting opening weekend of Premier League action last time out, Wolves will host Manchester United in the first Monday night matchup of the season. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side will be looking to bounce back from their goalless draw at Leicester while United come off the back of their impressive 4-0 thumping of Chelsea. Wolves will look to certify Molineux as a fortress again after being so strong at home last season; taking down Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal along the way.
Team News
Wolves’ Europa League encounter against Armenian side Pyunik on Thursday night could mean that Nuno fields a weaker-than-normal starting eleven thus ensuring a full-strength squad for Monday’s league game. If Wolves come through the domestic tie unscathed, they will have the luxury to pick a fully fit squad including new signings Patrick Cutrone and Jesus Vallejo.
Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has a similar dilemma. After United’s 4-0 win over Chelsea, Solksjaer may decide to either stick with the front three of Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. Instead, he could bring in Welsh winger Daniel James who scored on his United debut after his substitute appearance. The back-four that started the game against Chelsea seems to be one that Solksjaer will stick with barring any injuries.
Ones To Watch
For Wolves, Mexican forward Raúl Jiménez is the man to watch. The 28-year-old was prolific in front of goal last season netting 13 goals in 38 games. Jiménez, who signed on a permanent deal this summer, will be looking to strike up a partnership with fellow forward Diogo Jota. At 6-foot-3, Jiménez has caused Premier League defenders problems in the air and also on the ground. Portuguese midfielder Rúben Neves is the lynchpin who dictates how Wolves play. A terrific passer of the ball who had an impressive pass completion rate of 81.2% last season, Neves also is a threat from dead-ball situations which could keep United keeper David De Gea on high alert.
As for United, 23-year-old starlet Anthony Martial impressed tremendously last Sunday vs Chelsea and will be one of the first names on the teamsheet for the game against Wolves. His lightning pace and incredible ball control mean he provides a threat from any position across the front three. In the game against Frank Lampard’s side, his constant interchanging with Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard caused havoc for Chelsea’s defense and potentially could prove problematic for Wolves too. Harry Maguire had a solid debut for United in front of Old Trafford as he led from the back, winnings in-the-air contests and intercepting passes.
Wolves vs Manchester United: Facts and Figures
- In 14 meetings between the two teams, Manchester United have come out on top 9 times whereas Wolves have won on only 4 occasions.
- However, in the 4 matchups that happened in the last year, Wolves have won twice and drawn once.
- Wolves are unbeaten in their last 9 home games while United have not won an away game since March 6 (away vs Paris Saint-Germain).
This will be a terrific spectacle for the neutral fan. On one side, a Wolves side that is hungry to improve on their seventh placed finish last season. Going off of last seasons records, it is one that is capable of providing an upset. United, on the other hand, look strong in the defensive third and dangerous when attacking. If the team gets playing the lethal counter-attacking play that is so synonymous of United, Wolves will have problems.
Prediction: Wolves 1-2 Manchester United
Written by Jacob Robson
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