Premier League

Man Utd vs Wolves prediction

Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers start the New Year at Old Trafford on Monday night.

The Red Devils will be looking for three points to close the gap on Arsenal and the top four, whilst Bruno Lage’s side will be looking to continue the fine form they showed before Christmas by beating Brighton & Hove Albion and holding an in-form Chelsea side to a 0-0 draw at Molineux.

Ralf Ragnick’s start sounds impressive, 13 points from a possible 15, but in truth the performances haven’t matched that and the level of opposition hasn’t been great. Yes, there was a come-from-behind 3-2 victory at home to Arsenal to start December, but they were reliant on late goals to beat both Crystal Palace and Norwich City in 1-0 wins. The latter being a penalty.

They have since drawn 1-1 at lowly Newcastle United before beating Burnley 3-1 on December 30th. The latest result means they have only had a couple of days to rest and prepare for this match, whilst Wolves haven’t played since 19 December.

Wolves’ issue this season has been goals. Raul Jimenez is still getting back to form following his lengthy layoff, whilst Francisco Trincao awaits his first Premier League goal. But against this Manchester United defence, anything is possible. Daniel Podence cutting in from the right wing, a set piece from Ruben Neves or Joao Moutinho or a set piece for Roman Saiss and Conor Coady to attack.

It’s anything but a cert but I do think it’s a value bet to start 2022. I think Wolves are capable of getting something at Old Trafford and with the hosts being odds means you can more than double your stake if they pull it off.

Value bet: Lay Manchester United at 1.73 with Betfair