The greatest tonic for a shock defeat is a relatively straightforward fixture as soon as possible. That’s what Manchester United have when Wolverhampton Wanderers visit Old Trafford later on this evening. After two straight wins, the first time that has happened in the top flight for 26 years, Wolves will not be short on belief especially after the 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, and United will be looking to bounce back in emphatic fashion against the newly promoted side.
Mick McCarthy will be bringing his men up the M6 for just under 100 miles, in high spirits the victory at the weekend coupled with United’s defeat will have Wolves believing they have travelled to face United at the perfect time. The well-publicised injury crisis has ravaged the Manchester United squad, and it looks like there will be the usual 50 absentees for the game this evening.
Tomasz Kuszczak will continue in goal as Edwin van der Sar is still out with a knee injury.
The defence against Aston Villa saw Wes Brown rushed back from his latest setback and he never looked comfortable. He should continue to partner Vidic at the back despite this. Rafael could make the bench, as Darren Fletcher will reprise his role at right-back. The left side is, as always, taken by the magnificent Patrice Evra.
The latest recipient of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Ryan Giggs will not be risked after tweaking his hamstring against Villa. I would expect Obertan to be given another start, alongside Carrick, Anderson and Valencia. Though Gibson will be looking for a recall to the team.
Michael Owen must wonder what he has to do to earn his place in the team, dropped after scoring a European hat-trick, but he should be restored to the first team against Wolves. Partnered by the ever-present Wayne Rooney, who will be looking to make amends for his horrendous attempt at diving during the game on Saturday.
Mick McCarthy was in jovial mood when asked about the game,
“They must be thinking ‘Wolves are coming and we have just been beaten by Villa… If ever there is a chance to get yourself back on track it is to slap these insolent little so and so’s coming up from the Black Country and we are going to give them the biggest doing they have ever had.”
Despite this Wolves will be without Michael Kightly and Andrew Keogh, out with ankle injuries, David Edwards will also join them on the sidelines. Former United youth player Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, will again be looking to impress his former employers, while United must be wary of Wolves’ record signing Kevin Doyle, who got the early winner against Tottenham at the weekend.
A win against Wolves would take Sir Alex Ferguson’s side level on points with Premier League leaders Chelsea for 24 hours at least. Wolves’ last win away to Manchester United came on 9 February 1980. The match will also be Sir Alex Ferguson’s 900th league match in charge of the Red Devils.
United should bounce back as they always do after a defeat and this will be no different, as in the Carling Cup match earlier on in the season where United triumphed 1-0.
Prediction: 3-0 United
Probable Line Up: Kuszczak: Fletcher, Brown, Vidic, Evra; Obertan, Carrick, Anderson, Valencia; Owen, Rooney
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
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