(Football news) Currently fifth in the table, Manchester United will aim to secure their third consecutive win when they visit the Molineux Stadium to take on 18th place Wolves. Under Julen Lopetegui, Wolves have seen a recent resurgence, winning two matches including a 2-0 win over Gillingham in the EFL Cup. However, with the team languishing in the relegation zone, results are key for Wolves and they will take on Aston Villa in the Premier League on January 4 before taking on Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup and EFL Cup. Wolves can take solace in the fact that they defeated Manchester United 1-0 in January earlier this year courtesy of a goal by Joao Moutinho.
As for Manchester United, they recently defeated Nottingham Forest 3-1 at Old Trafford with Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Fred on the scoresheet. The Red Devils have won nine, drawn two and lost four of their 15 league matches this season, collecting 29 points in the process. After the Wolves game, they will have four successive home games, taking on Bournemouth, Manchester City, Everton and Charlton Athletic. Erik ten Hag’s team have the fifth best away record in the season so far, getting 13 points from eight games while Wolves are the lowest scorers in the league.
In team news, Wolves will be without Chiquinho, Pedro Neto and Sasa Kalajdzic due to injuries but Boubacar Toure and Jonny Castro could feature in the starting lineup. Podence is also doubtful due to a leg problem which means Goncalo Guedes could feature in the final third. Diego Costa is expected to keep out Raul Jimenez with Hwang Hee-chan on the right flank.
As for Manchester United, Victor Lindelof and Scott McTominay are doubtful while Diogo Dalot (hamstring) and Jadon Sancho (fitness) are expected to miss out. Lisandro Martinez could partner alongside Raphael Varane in the middle of defence. The rest of the lineup is expected to remain the same from the team that featured against Nottingham Forest. A victory for Manchester United seems like a likely result from this fixture.
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