Manchester United must dispose of their recent malaise in form when they welcome Wolves to Old Trafford on Saturday in the Premier League.
A run of just one win in their last four league games has seen United drop below Newcastle into fourth place, while Liverpool’s six straight victories have heightened the tension around the Champions League qualification race.
Wolves, meanwhile, have secured their Premier League status, having been bottom of the standings at Christmas during the World Cup break.
Here’s what you need to know about the fixture.
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Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
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United Kingdom |
Not televised in UK |
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United States |
Peacock |
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Canada |
fuboTV Canada |
There could be a return for teenager Alejandro Garnacho, who was an unused substitute in the 1-0 defeat to West Ham on Sunday. The winger had been out since March with an ankle problem.
Goals have dried up for United in recent weeks, with main forward Marcus Rashford hitting only two strikes in his last ten outings, so manager Erik ten Hag may switch things up in attack.
David de Gea’s mistake proved costly at London Stadium but the Spaniard is expected to retain his spot in the starting XI.
Manchester United predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Shaw, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial.
Toti scored the only goal of the game as Wolves beat Aston Villa1-0 last time out, having slipped to an embarrassing 6-0 defeat at Brighton previously.
Nelson Semedo returned from a knee issue in that victory, but both Sasa Kalajdzic and Boubacar Traore remain unavailable.
Manager Julen Lopetegui may switch systems for the trip to Old Trafford, having deployed a 4-4-2 against Villa. That could see Diego Costa drop out of the starting XI.
Wolves predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Sa; Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Toti; Neves, Moutinho; Gomes, Nunes, Podence; Cunha.
There haven’t been too many classics between Man Utd and Wolves in recent years. In their last ten fixtures, there have been five 1-0 wins and two goalless draws. No match between the pair has yielded more than three goals since 2012.
It makes sense not to expect a classic here, too. Wolves will play in the top flight again next season and don’t have as much riding on the game as United, who need to pick up form if they want to secure a Champions League space.
That should make for a rather anxious game at Old Trafford on Saturday, but one which the Red Devils should sneak over the line in.