Wolverhampton Wanderers V Manchester United
Football : England : Premier League
Saturday 6th March 2010 – Kickoff 5:30pm

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Would you believe that Wolves actually have a 100% home record over the English champions? Their last and only match here at the Molineux in the Premier League came in 2003, with the home team winning 1-0.

I’m fairly sure lightening won’t be striking here twice.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Controversy surrounded the reverse fixture this year, when manager McCarthy changed his on form first team to play 9 reserves when they visited Old Trafford. The team duly got thumped and Mick has since been fined for fielding a weakened side.

There are arguments to be made that in a 38 game season, it is up to the manager to chop and change so he has the strongest side fit to fight the battles he feels he can get the most out of, but then again, gifting Manchester United 3 points on a platter is unfair to the rest of the teams fighting for the title.

McCarthy will no doubt now field his strongest side to take on the visiting champions, but it would take a brave man to bet against United coming out winners. The main problem for me, lies not in the vulnerability of the Wolves defence, but in their inability to score when presented with the chance.

Wolves have now gone two games without scoring, which is surprising as they managed to carve out a whole host of chances against a vulnerable Chelsea defence, and then again at Bolton. But, they misfired again, and this impotence has now affected them on 13 occasions this season.

Wolves need desperately to take advantage of a United defence that is clearly not at its best, but previous displays do not leave me full of confidence.

Manchester United

Manchester United began the accumulation of their silverware by winning the Carling Cup last Sunday. United were a little lucky however, as Vidic really should have been sent off when he surrendered a penalty early on. As it was, the defender didn't even receive a booking, and goals from Owen and Rooney earned the champions the first trophy of the season.

Manchester United really seem to be riding the amazing form of striker Wayne Rooney. The ex-Everton hitman thumped in his 6th header in 8 games, and no one would be surprised if he added to that tally at the Molineux.

Ferguson's side look to have moved on from that 3-1 thrashing at Everton, with the 3-0 win against West Ham, and then the Wembley triumph. But it is interesting to note that since beating Arsenal at the Emirates, United have since failed to win on their next 2 away fixtures.

With Rooney rested on the weekend Cup match, I believe Ferguson seems to want to rest his main man as much as possible. Owen picked up a minor knock in that match, so I believe Berbatov will start and is good value to open the scoring @ 6.50 (Bet365)

The Betting Verdict

Wolves are barely hanging on, lying 17th but safe only due to their superior goal difference. They absolutely must find the net to have any chance of moving away from the relegation dog fight, but sadly, I believe they will concede more than they will score.

This one looks like an Away win, although with a slim chance of Wolves making this interesting by finally getting on the scoresheet.

The Statistics :

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Manchester United to win @ 1.35 (Bet365)

Consider Berbatov to score anytime @ 2.75 (Bet365)

Also, look at Berbatov to score first @ 6.50 (Bet365) (if he starts)

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Manchester United (AH -1) @ 1.50 (Bet365)