TipStar: Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers preview and prediction

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United scores the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on December 31, 2022, in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Manchester United will be desperate to get back to winning ways on Saturday, May 13, when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford at 5 pm EAT. The Red Devils are currently fourth in the Premier League table, just one point above Liverpool, having played a game less.

Erik Ten Hag's men simply cannot afford to falter any further after two consecutive gut-wrenching 1-0 losses against Brighton and West Ham. With Liverpool breathing down their necks, United will need to produce a big performance if they are to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

The Red Devils have been solid at home this season and are unbeaten in all competitions since September (27). They have only conceded eight goals in their last 17 Premier League matches at Old Trafford, winning 12.

However, United will be without a number of key players due to injury including Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay, Tom Heaton, Phil Jones, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane. Marcus Rashford is a doubt after a reported leg injury.

Alejandro Garnacho could make a return to the pitch after suffering an ankle injury. The young Argentine attacker was an unused substitute in the defeat away to West Ham. Brazilian Antony and Jadon Sancho will be expected to steer Man United attacks from the wings with Antony Martial as number 9.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have already secured their place in the Premier League for next season, but their away form is a cause for concern. Julen Lopetegui's men have won four of their last six league matches, but all of those victories have come at home. They have lost their last four away league matches, including a humiliating 6-0 defeat at Brighton.

Wolves have also struggled to score goals away from home. They have only scored 12 goals in 17 away league games this season, with five of their last seven matches recording two or fewer goals.

We expect much of the Wolves side that beat Villa to remain unchanged, with the absence of Sasa Kalajdzic and Chiquinho who continue to recover from long-term knee injuries. Malian Boubacar Traore will be available with former Chelsea striker Diego Costa expected to lead the line.

The last time these two sides met in December 2022, United were 1-0 victors courtesy of a Marcus Rashford strike with Wolves winning the reverse fixture by the same scoreline in January 2022.

Manchester United form in EPL (Last six matches): WWDWLL

Wolverhampton Wanderers form in EPL (Last six matches): WWLWLW

Key pointers:

• Manchester United are unbeaten in 27 home league games, winning 12 times
• The last 5 Wolves away matches have recorded over 1.5 goals
• Man United have beaten Wolves four times in their last 6 games
• Eight of the last nine meetings between these teams have gone under 2.5 goals

Manchester United possible starting line-up:
De Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Shaw, Malacia, Casemiro, Fernandes Eriksen, Sancho, Antony, Martial.

Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Jose Sa, Dawson, Semedo, Toti, Kilman, Neves, Lemina, Nunes, Neto, Cunha, Diego Costa.

STANDARD TIPSTAR PREDICTION: Manchester United 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manchester United have somewhat made Old Trafford a fortress this season, being unbeaten in 27 league matches. With Champions League qualification on the line and pressure off Wolves, who have secured EPL status for next season, we expect the home side to WIN in a generally low-scoring affair - one or two-goal margin.