Football Prediction | Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester United | English Premier League | December 26 – Will Wolves Spring a Surprise to Drag Themselves Out of the Bottom Three?

Premier League action continues as Wolverhampton Wanderers host Manchester United at Molineux Stadium on Thursday, December 26th, 2024, at 11:30 PM (GMT). Wolves, managed by Gary O’Neil, will aim to use their strong counter-attacking style and home advantage to secure a crucial victory. Meanwhile, Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, will look to continue their impressive form and maintain their pursuit of a top-four finish.

Wolves vs Manchester United Form Guide

Wolves

Wolves have shown resilience this season, excelling in counter-attacks, long-shot opportunities, and coming back from losing positions. Players like Matheus Cunha and Jørgen Strand Larsen have been pivotal in their offensive strategy, providing pace and creativity. However, their weaknesses lie in keeping possession, defending against attacks down the wings, and defending set pieces.

Manchester United

Manchester United has been solid, especially in protecting leads and stealing the ball from the opposition. Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo have been crucial in creating chances, while the team’s possession-based style and short passes have been key to their offensive play. Despite their strong attacking play, their weaknesses include finishing scoring chances and defending set pieces.

Wolves vs Manchester United Key Battles:

Matheus Cunha vs Bruno Fernandes

Matheus Cunha has been Wolves’ top scorer with 9 goals, while Bruno Fernandes has netted 4 goals for Manchester United. Cunha’s ability to hold up play and exploit space will be key to challenging United’s defense.

Jørgen Strand Larsen vs Amad Diallo

Strand Larsen has been involved in 8 goals (goals + assists) for Wolves, while Diallo has contributed 8 goals and assists for United. The battle between these two players will be crucial in determining who can deliver key moments for their respective teams. 

Also read:- Football Prediction | Southampton vs West Ham United | English Premier League | December 26 

Wolves vs Manchester United Tactical Outlook

Wolves approach their matches with an aggressive, counter-attacking style, often exploiting opportunities to hit teams on the break. Their strengths lie in their ability to create long shot opportunities, capitalize on stealing the ball from opposition players, and make strong comebacks from losing positions. They prefer playing with width, using long balls and the offside trap to disrupt opponents. However, Wolves struggle to maintain possession of the ball, especially under pressure, and have weaknesses in defending against wing-based attacks and long shots. They also struggle to defend set pieces and often foul in dangerous areas, which leaves them vulnerable.

Manchester United, on the other hand, excels at protecting a lead and recovering the ball from opponents, showcasing a very strong defensive setup. Their style is defined by possession football, with an emphasis on short passes and creating chances through through balls. They also look to attack down the left wing and take long shots when possible. Despite their strong attacking approach, United’s weaknesses include inconsistent finishing, vulnerability to offside traps, and struggles in defending set pieces. Additionally, their tendency to foul in dangerous areas and their weak offside discipline could leave them exposed against teams like Wolves, who are quick to capitalize on such mistakes.

Injury News and Suspensions

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolverhampton Wanderers are contending with several significant injuries to key players. Boubacar Traore is expected to return from a knee injury by late December 2024, while Enso Gonzalez and Yerson Mosquera face long-term absences due to cruciate ligament and knee injuries, with their returns projected for early May 2025 and early June 2025, respectively. Pablo Sarabia is sidelined with a calf injury until early January 2025, and Sasa Kalajdzic is also recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, with his return anticipated in early January 2025. These injuries leave Wolves with a thinner squad as they aim to maintain consistency.

Manchester United

Manchester United are navigating a mix of injuries and fitness concerns. Luke Shaw and Mason Mount are both recovering from injuries and are expected to return by early January 2025. Matthijs de Ligt is dealing with an illness but should be back in a few days, while Victor Nilsson Lindelöf is doubtful due to a knock. United will need to manage these absences carefully to ensure they maintain their form during this crucial stage of the season.

Wolves vs Manchester United Possible Playing Squad

Wolves:

Strand Larsen, Cunha, Guedes, Joao Gomes, Andre, Rodrigo Gomes, Semedo, Bueno, Toti Gomes, Doherty, Sá (GK)

Manchester United:

Zirkzee, Fernandes, Amad, Mainoo, Ugarte, Malacia, Dalot, Martinez, Maguire, Mazraoui, Onana (GK)

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

Manchester United will likely come out on top in this encounter, as they have been dominant in recent years against Wolves. Their strong form, especially in protecting leads and stealing the ball, will give them an edge over a Wolves side struggling with possession and set-piece defense.

Score Prediction

A 3-0 victory for Manchester United seems likely, with Fernandes playing a key role in both creating and scoring goals, while Cunha’s efforts for Wolves might not be enough to break down United’s defense.