English Premier League Week 11 Preview: Wolves Travel To Old Trafford To Face Manchester United

Maybe not the weekend’s most exciting match on paper, but a match that could prove fantastic when the whistle blows. Manchester United are still unbeaten in all competitions while Wolves, although still in the relegation zone, played some fantastic football last weekend at home to claim a much needed and deserved three points against Manchester City.

Wolves’ Matt Jarvis has been in sparkling form in recent weeks, many even speaking his name in the same sentence as ‘England’ and ‘call-up’, while Republic of Ireland internationals Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt have also impressed with their probing runs and work ethic in attack.

Manchester United will be without key midfielders Nani and Darren Fletcher who both suffered injuries in Manchester United’s midweek Champions League win away to Bursaspor. Gabriel Obertan for United could see action in Nani’s place as the young French winger has impressed in recent outings for United.

United fans are starting to get that itching feeling that their club is headed for one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s classic runs as the Christmas season approaches. While Wolves pose a strong enough threat in all areas of the pitch for United to prepare for the match appropriately, they’re sure to have one eye on their midweek derby against Manchester City.

Projected Lineup, Manchester United ( 4-4-2): Van der Sar - Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra - Obertan, Scholes, Carrick, Park - Hernandez, Berbatov

Projected Lineup, Wolves (4-5-1): Hahnemann - Foley, Stearman, Berra, Ward - Jarvis, Milijas, Henry, Edwards, Hunt,- Doyle

Key Battle: Can Wolves keep an in form United from scoring early and often at home? They couldn’t in their recent trip to Old Trafford in the 3-2 Carling Cup fourth round match, but they did score two well taken and well deserved goals. Look for United to be stingy in defense and their attack to thrive through the in form Javier Hernandez

Battle Within the Battle: The aforementioned and in form Matt Jarvis will look to take it to United’s full backs as Wolves search for goals on the counter. Jarvis started last weekend’s match on the right, but will switch flanks with Stephen Hunt throughout the match. Wolves will enjoy much less possession than United and will need to make the most of the few chances they do get.

Pick: Playing Chelsea incredibly well, beating City, then beating United at home will prove a mountain too high to climb for Wolves. They’ll keep it close and tight under boss Mick McCarthy, but United will win 2-0 at home to keep pressure on league leaders Chelsea who travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday.