Wolves vs Man Utd: Premier League team news and prediction

 

In the final Premier League game ahead of the first international break of the season, Wolves host Manchester United as they bid to pick up their first point under Bruno Lage. United, buoyed by Friday's re-signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, have a fine record against Wolves, and they'll be confident of bouncing back from last weekend's 1-1 draw at Southampton with another three points. 

 

Ahead of the game at Molineux, we provide all the key pre-match information, including what time the game kicks off, where to watch this meeting, team news and probable XIs... 

 

When is kick off?        

Sunday 29th August, 16:30 GMT        

Where is the match?        

Molineux, Wolverhampton 

What TV channel is it on?        

Sky Sports Premier League / Sky Sports Main Event  

 

 

Last meeting 

 

Manchester United hold the better head-to-head record in their meetings with Wolves with victory in this game last season making it three-wins in the last four meetings between the pair. Youngster Anthony Elanga set United on their way to three points with just 13 minutes on the clock. Nelson Semedo drew Wolves level six minutes before the break, but Juan Mata restored United's lead on the stroke of half time as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side ended the 2020/21 season on a high. 

 

Team news 

 

Daniel Podence returned to action in Wolves' 4-0 Carabao Cup win at Nottingham Forest in midweek, scoring in the victory to bolster Bruno Lage's offensive options. The Wolves boss does remain without Jonny, Willy Boly, Pedro Neto, Yerson Mosquera and Hugo Bueno due to injury. Adama Traore has been linked with a move away from Molineux ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline, but is likely to start if available. 

 

Manchester United re-signed Cristiano Ronaldo on Friday, but he won't be available for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer until after the international break. Marcus Rashford, Alex Telles and Scott McTominay all miss the trip to Wolverhampton. Dean Henderson is nearing a return to action after suffering with long COVID, while Edinson Cavani is also in contention to start. Summer arrivals Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho may both make their full debuts for United here. 

 

Probable XIs 

 

Wolves vs Man Utd: Premier League team news and prediction

 

Wolves (343) - Sa; Kilman, Coady, Saiss; Hoever, Neves, Moutinho, Marcal; Trincao, Jimenez, Adama

 

Manchester United (4231) - De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, Pogba; Sancho, Fernandes, Lingard; Greenwood

 

Key Battle: Ruben Neves vs Fred

 

Wolves vs Man Utd: Premier League team news and prediction

 

Ruben Neves has been strongly linked with a move away from Wolves this summer, with Arsenal a rumoured destination for the Portugal international. However, with two days to go until the close of the transfer window, there has been no indication that he will depart this summer. Manchester United, though, could use a player of Neves' skillset and after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, supporters would welcome another Portuguese star, who ranks fifth for interceptions (66) since the start of last season.

 

Fred would provide Neves' main competition for a starting spot in the United midfield. The Brazilian has struggled to match expectations at Old Trafford following his 2018 arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk, yet brings crucial energy to the side that allows the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba the opportunity to bomb forward and support the attack.

 

Score Prediction: Wolves 1-2 Manchester United

Wolves vs Man Utd: Premier League team news and prediction