Reds look to tame Wolves at Old Trafford

On the Prowl

 Manchester United will hope to end the year on a positive note as they host Wolves on Tuesday.

Having gone unbeaten in their last eight Premier League matches, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team is right in the thick of what’s become a very tight race at the top of the table.

Following uncharacteristic slip-ups from both Liverpool and Tottenham this past weekend, the door is wide open for the Reds.

Lineup News and Notes

 Solskjaer may have to tweak his defensive unit heading into Tuesday’s big match.

Victor Lindelof played just over an hour before getting taken off with back issues in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester.

It’s unknown how serious his issue is heading into the final game of the year.

The Reds might also be without Aaron Wan-Bissaka who hasn’t dressed in the team’s last two fixtures in the Premier League and Carabao Cup.

If either of those players can’t go Axel Tuanzebe is likely to draw into the lineup again with a shot at redemption after his own-goal cost the Reds three points against Leicester.

For Wolves manager Nuno there’s a long list of injury concerns.

At the top of that list is striker Raul Jimenez who’s still recovering from a nasty concussion suffered last month in a head clash with Arsenal’s David Silva.

Jonny Otto, Leander Dendoncker, and Willy Boly were all in the stands last weekend in their 1-1 draw with Tottenham and could all be again come Tuesday.

Marcal laboured near the end of Sunday’s game and with a quick turnaround might not be fully recovered.

Rayan Ait Nouri may have to take his spot at left-back.

Stalking its Prey

United’s defence has had its share of struggles this season conceding 23 times but they’ve been clinical in attack.

The Reds are tied with Chelsea for second most goals scored in the league this season with 30.

Twelve different players have their names on the scoresheet for Man United.

Despite the outstanding goalkeeping of Rui Patricio, the Wanderers have struggled to keep the ball out of their net.

Nuno’s team has conceded at least once in eight straight top-flight games.

To be fair though United’s not been any better.

The Reds have conceded two or more in their last three Premier League matches.

Wounded animal

 The month of December has been anything but memorable for Wolves.

A handful of injuries are starting to take their toll on a side that’s finished in the top seven the last two seasons.

The Wanderers have just four points out of a possible 15 this month dropping them to 11^th place.

With Man United eyeing second place in the table they’ll be hoping to pile on more goals on Tuesday.

Leader of the Pack

 One area United has a decided edge over Wolves is in the goal scoring department.

Wolves have scored one or less in five straight encounters clearly missing the presence of Jimenez who netted 17 last season.

In all competitions this season United’s Bruno Fernandes has scored 14 times which is one less than the entire Wolves team have in 15 Premier League matches.

Fernandes has scored and assisted in 29% of his EPL appearances which is the highest ratio of any player in the competition’s history.

This month the Reds have scored 14 goals in five EPL games.

History

Wolverhampton is one of the few English sides with very little Premier League history versus Man United.

Since the Premier League debuted in 1992/93 Wolves have only played United in the top-flight 12 times with United winning six, losing three and drawing three.

Old Faithful

 Man United’s had its struggles at Old Trafford this season with just 2 wins in seven Premier League fixtures.

The Reds home ground however has not been very kind to the Wanderers through the years.

In six EPL matches at United’s home ground Wolves have never won.

It’s been over 40 years since Wolves have won at Old Trafford (1-0 in a 1980 Division One game).

Match Info

Tuesday’s match kicks off at 8pm. (JSL).