Date: Tuesday 29th December
Kick off: 20.00
Venue: Old Trafford
Less than 48 hours after the final whistle at Molineux where Wolves came from a goal behind to draw 1-1 with Spurs, they will be lining up to take on 4th placed Manchester United.
Wolves are still without striker Raul Jimenez and wing back Jonny Castro Otto to long term injuries and Willy Boly and Leander Dendoncker are now both unavailable after suffering recent injuries.
United have had 24 hours more to prepare after their Boxing Day away game against Leicester where it ended all square at 2-2
United had taken over the title of come back kings from Wolves this season which has seen them take the points from games with much improved second half performances after a poor showing in the first half. In recent games though, their first half performances have been much improved.
Last season, Wolves had a reputation for being second half performers, scoring most of their goals after the half time break. This season however, they have largely followed sub standard first halves with equally poor second halves, only reverting to type against Spurs where they scored the equaliser in the 86th minute.
Wolves currently occupy 11th place in the league table, 6 points behind their opponents.
The game will be shown live on Amazon Prime
Gem’s prediction 2-1
Man U v Wolves preview
posted on 29/12/20
comment by Biggus Dikkuss (U8869)
posted 16 minutes ago
comment by TheBlackCountrysOurs (U22512)
posted 10 hours, 28 minutes ago
comment by Tamwolf (U17286)
posted 17
Or that our wingers don't get into scoring positions like Jota did.
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And that our midfield is devoid of goals due to the way Nuno sets us up. Leading to some fans “crying out” impatiently for a more creative player .........“or two”?
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or even that the 3 players who scored 80% of our goals last season have either been sold or are long term injured.
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Actually those 3 players accounted for 58% of goals in all comps. But if you also add the goals scored by other players who have been sold, sent out on loan or are currently injured then your 80% is spot on
posted on 29/12/20
Interesting to note that Wolves have scored 15 in 15 games in the league so an average of 1
That is no different to our average before Raul got injured and no different as a consequence of moving from 343 to 4231
posted on 29/12/20
comment by Spangles (U17289)
posted 19 minutes ago
Interesting to note that Wolves have scored 15 in 15 games in the league so an average of 1
That is no different to our average before Raul got injured and no different as a consequence of moving from 343 to 4231
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We are very wasteful in front of goal. Which is why we need to play the formation that is best for the situation. Against teams that sit back, we should be playing the formation that creates the most and best quality chances. That is 4-2-3-1 and not 5 defenders without a striker.
Games were we know we will see less of the ball, I have no problem with 3 at the back.
posted on 29/12/20
I'm not sure on the best set up for this game. The last two or three times we have played United they have sat back to nullify a counter attack, which has meant we haven't really been pressed in possession. It has led to some boring games where we do the same and both teams pass it around outside the opposing penalty area creating little.
This season they have Cavani and Fernandes, which I think makes them more likely to create something in that situation. I think there is an argument for both formation set ups today.
posted on 29/12/20
I don’t see us being wasteful in front of goal, although Silva missed a couple on Sunday. I was encouraged to a degree by that because at least he was getting into the right positions around the six yard box. Most of our shooting comes from the edge of the box and outside and inevitably a large proportion of efforts from that distance will be wide, saved or blocked. Neto, Podence and Traore need to get into the danger area more
posted on 29/12/20
From what I have seen from Utd lately their strength lies in midfield. Mainly Fernandes but also mctominay and their forwards Rashford, Greenwood, Martial all like to attack the area from deep. I could see an advantage in us playing 3 central midfielders tonight and crowding that area. Shame we won’t have Dendoncker but maybe a chance for Otasowie
posted on 29/12/20
I think we will go with a three at the back today. Just don't see Nuno trusting Aït-Nouri in a back four.
Guessing at
Pat
Saiss, Coady, Kilman
Semedo, Moutinho, Neves, Aït-Nouri
Traore, Podence, Neto
posted on 29/12/20
comment by Cinciwolf in the desert (U11551)
posted 1 hour, 37 minutes ago
I think we will go with a three at the back today. Just don't see Nuno trusting Aït-Nouri in a back four.
Guessing at
Pat
Saiss, Coady, Kilman
Semedo, Moutinho, Neves, Aït-Nouri
Traore, Podence, Neto
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I think we could struggle with that line up. Surrender the midfield and invite pressure without a striker.
posted on 29/12/20
Yeah it isn't my choice of line up, this is just what i think Nuno will do. 4-2-3-1 for me, this game is a free hit given the odds stacked against us today
posted on 29/12/20
I would play one of Otasowie or Vitinha today.
Vitinha potentially if we go 4-2-3-1 and put him in for Traore to make our 3 behind the striker more fluid. The use Traore as an impact sub.
Or Otasowie if we are going to play on the counter, to win the ball back and set up attacks. I fear that if we play the usual three at the back with Moutinho and Neves focusing on shape; it will be a snooze fest and we will likely get worn down and lose.