Wolverhampton vs Manchester United Predictions 31 Decembrie 2022

• Manchester United have won both of their games since the World Cup break.
• United have four wins in their last six away.
• Wolves have lost four of their last five at home.
• Marcus Rashford has two goals and an assist since returning from England duty.

United looking to end Lopetegui’s perfect start

Manchester United have two wins and two clean sheets since returning from the World Cup break and they have a chance to put some pressure on their top four rivals on New Year’s Eve as they head to relegation-threatened Wolves in the early kick off.

United claimed a 2-0 win over Burnley in the EFL Cup and then saw off Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford over the Christmas period, but they face a Wolves side who gave their survival hopes a boost with a Boxing Day win at rivals Everton in new manager Julen Lopetegui’s first league game in charge last time out.

United in solid form away

This will be United’s first away game since November but they were in good form on their travels prior to the hiatus with four wins and just one defeat in their last six trips across all competitions.

Wolves need to improve on their home form if they are to pull clear of danger as they have four defeats in their last five at Molineux, with one win coming via a 1-0 success against a Forest side who have the worst away record in the league.

Goals have been an issue for Wolves and they have just three in that five game spell, while they have only managed 10 in total in the Premier League. The win at Everton, following on from a cup victory, does suggest they are experiencing a ‘new boss bounce’ under former Spain manager Lopetegui and that does throw an element of uncertainty into this game.

The match odds perhaps reflect this, and that does mean there is value in backing a straightforward win for the visitors. Wolves may well improve under Lopetegui but opposite number Erik ten Hag has already got the visitors firing, and they appear to have picked up where they left off.

Wolves can get on the scoresheet

Wolves scored twice at Goodison Park and they may be able to at least grab a consolation effort against a United side who struggle for clean sheets away from home, so a 2-1 win for the visitors appeals.

Ten Hag’s men have gone five Premier League games without a shut-out away from home, and both Forest and Burnley were able to carve out chances at Old Trafford despite the fact they were unable to score.

Marcus Rashford is the clear candidate for a goal at anytime after his impressive display against Forest. The England international scored the opener then provided an assist – having also scored in the cup win over the Clarets.