Wolverhampton Wanderers V Manchester United: Saturday, 6th March (ESPN – Premiership)

Wolverhampton Wanderers V Manchester United

Kick-Off: Saturday, 6^th March – 17:30 GMT

TV Coverage: ESPN

Wolverhampton Wanderers

League Position: 17th

Recent Form: DLWLL

One of the more ominous fixtures in the calendar for Wolves is that of Manchester United’s visit to Molinuex. It’s a game which will certainly capture the imagination of the locals but it’s also one which does have a touch of nostalgia about it as United’s last visits to Molineux in a Premiership affair wasn’t a pleasant, no, instead it was a memorable occasion for those Wolves in Orange when on the 27^th August, 2003 Wolves beat the 18-time English champions 1-0. That’s been their only meetings with the mighty Red Devils since, so that victory seven years means Wolves are unbeaten at home against Man Utd and in fact hold a 100% record over one of the greatest teams in English football history.

Mick McCarthy wont hold fond memories of the reverse meeting with Manchester United though, after that infamous night where the former Republic of Ireland coach fielded a team of Wolves reserves in a fixture he, and apparently the rest of the squad, believed was one they had absolutely no chance of getting anything from. The club were consequently fined for what we felt was a joke of a decision but one that was justifiable in that this is a 38 game season, where tactics are a huge part of winning and surviving, and the option to rest any number of players should be at the discretion of the manager, but that’s a long rant we’ll leave for another day.

Will he field a stronger side on Saturday – Certainly, but does he honestly think his squad, of whom he clearly underrates by the sound of it, can overhaul the reigning English champions at Molineux – Certainly, and so do we surprisingly. Their recent displays would suggest a big result in the offing and whom better than Manchester United to suffer their wrath. The stumbling block, and it’s a huge one in football terms, is Wolves just can’t seem to win the games where they dominate and play by far and away the better football. They were dogged at Bolton at the weekend, hitting the woodwork on numerous occasions but leaving The Reebok with zilch. The same happened in their last home fixture when they lost 2-0 to Chelsea, Undeservedly we must add.

Wolves have little problems carving open what was a vulnerable Chelsea defence at the time and they could have yet more success in that area against a shaky United defence. Sticking the ball in the net though is an art Wolves have yet to master, with their baron spell in front of goal now two games long. It’s nothing to be overly concerned about but their failure to score at Bolton last Saturday was the thirteenth time they had failed to do so this season. It’s been an ever present thorn in Mick McCarthy’s side that his Wolves side, one which do create plenty of wonderful chances, simply can’t put the ball in the net on a more regular basis. 

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: WWDLW

The United camp will be in a buoyant mood after their jubilant weekend. While the Carling Cup does little to turn on the majority of England, Manchester United were certainly the proud owners of a new trophy last Sunday when they came from behind to beat Aston Villa in the final at Wembley. Sir Alex Ferguson will have high hopes of attaining plenty more silverware this season, with the Premiership being his top priority, and, if that’s to be the case, surely only a win will be acceptable at Molineux this coming Saturday. 

It was that man again, Wayne Rooney, who stole the show at Wembley when he fired up yet another header, his sixth header in eight games I believe, to the Carling Cup title and United’s first silverware for the season. While their performance on the whole wasn’t great, with defensive cracks apparent, the success should be all that matters and it will hopefully be the platform to bigger and better things this season. At least that’s what the United fans are thinking.

It’s back to business now though, real business, no fancying around in a competition which we honestly believe lost it’s mojo decades ago. The league is every English sides bread and butter and the United camp must get straight back to doing what only they know best, winning league games. However, while their last two competitive fixtures have been ones they’ve thoroughly enjoyed; Winning 3-0 at home to West Ham in the league and 2-1 in the Carling Cup against Aston Villa, their recent away outings have been nightmares. On their previous two away ventures United have failed to win, with Man Utd’s only away win in four coming at the Emirates against Arsenal.

As the old adage goes though, ‘You’re only as good as your last game’ and if that’s to be believed then United fans are in for another long day. The last time Fergie took his troops to battle away from base camp Old Trafford they were beaten in a resounding manner. Everton gave them a right good hiding at Goodison just a fortnight ago, winning 3-1, and it intriguing from a neutrals perspective to see just how well, if well at all, United respond in their very next away test. They are fortunate in that their next away assignment is an easier one than their last but if the Red Devils don’t turn up the heat on Wolves then it’s them who could be left with burnt fingers.

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.35 Expekt

This is us playing safe really on the basis that while United did lose on their last outing, they actually know how to win a game of football whereas their opponents don’t. Despite winning just one of their last four away from home, United have still won just as manager games on the road as they haven’t; Winning seven of fourteen away fixtures. Wolves, however, while their best stuff has come at Molineux, just don’t seem capable of mustering a win of this calibre. They did, though, put Tottenham to the sword only a few weeks ago at home when etching out a 1-0 victory, but while they proven a difficult side to overcome at home this season, they still look inept on paper. It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see Wolves enjoying large periods of this game, creating plenty of chances, hitting the woodwork on a couple of occasions before losing 1-0. It’s been that sort of season for Mick McCarthy, whereas his opposite number has just enjoyed a cup winning weekend and we expect his good fortunes to continue.

Match Odds:

Wolverhampton Wanderers – 11.00 Boylesports

Draw – 5.00 SkyBet

Manchester United – 1.35 Expekt

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Dimitar Berbatov FGS – 4/1 SkyBet