Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United
Football: England, Premier League 2009/2010
Saturday, 6th March 2010 - Kickoff 5:30pm

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Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolverhampton were heavily criticised in the press earlier this season when Mick McCarthy decided to make wholesale changes to his side in their trip to Old Trafford. Will the same thing happen again? Absolutely no chance!

Wolves are down in 17th position in the Premier League and can thank their goal difference for keeping them above Hull City at this moment in time. They are 4-3-7 at home but have only scored 10 goals in those games while conceding 19. Suffice to say, Wolves are the lowest scorers in the League at home.

In the 10 Premier League games since that infamous night at Old Trafford, Wolves have won just 2 and lost 6. They have won just 1 of their last 5 League games at Molineaux and, perhaps more worringly, have only scored 1 goal in those games. They have also been defeated in 3 of those 5 games, all by 2 goals or more. Wolve have held Liverpool to a 0-0 here but both Manchester City and Chelsea have won easily enough in recent weeks.

Michael Kightly remains out with an injury while David Edwards is a doubt for McCarthy.

Manchester United

Manchester United won the first trophy on offer this season but will surely look to add to the trophy cabinet. They have a real chance to create history by winning a 4th consecutive League title in a row while the Champions League remains an important trophy to Sir Alex Ferguson.

While United were busy at Wembley winning the Carling Cup, local rivals Manchester City were doing them a huge favour by beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. This means United are only 1 point off the top of the Premier League and there are only 10 games left. They are 7-2-5 away from home this season, scoring 27 goals and conceding 16, meaning they have the joint most away wins in the League.

The Red Devils were stunned by Everton recently, but have won their 2 games since then. That defeat at Everton was their first away from home in the Premier League in 4 matches since losing at Fulham but the return of Nemanja Vidic to the side should solidify their defence. United have failed to keep a clean sheet away from home in 9 attempts in all competitions. They have won 5 of their 6 games away from home against sides in the bottom half of the table.

Rio Ferdinand is a doubt for this game, as is Rafael who came off at Wembley last week. Michael Owen is out injured and Ryan Giggs is not quite ready to return. Edwin Van der Sar should be back in goal after being rested last week and Nani is available after serving a suspension.

Head to Head

Wolves beat Manchester United here when they were last in the top flight back in the 2003-04 season. On that day it finished 1-0 to the Black and Gold home team.

United have beaten Wolves twice at home this season, once in the Carling Cup, and kept a clean sheet both times.

Prediction

Wolverhampton Wanderers need goals and have really struggled in that department this season. Its not like they dont create chances, they just seem to lack the clinical finisher that Sylvan Ebanks-Blake was hoping to be. They are going to have a tough couple of months in their bid to survive.

Manchester United have another big European night to look forward to on Wednesday, but must not look past this match in the race for the Premier League title. It is getting to the stage of the season where any dropped points can be critical so I will expect a fully focused and mature performance from a side full of experience.

Bar the first 9 minutes last weekend, United looked much more secure at the back than they have for a while in games away from Old Trafford and I hope to see much of the same on Saturday evening. Wayne Rooney is in lethal form for United so goals dont worry me- I think United will win this with a bit to spare.

The Pick :

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-3 Manchester United

HANDICAP BETTING :

Manchester United -1.5 goals Asian Handicap