Wolves vs Man Utd: Preview, predictions and lineups

Manchester United travel to the West Midlands on Boxing Day looking to avoid a third successive defeat in all competitions when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

Ruben Amorim has been presented with more questions than answers in recent weeks, with former United captain Gary Neville even suggesting that the weekend’s home defeat to Bournemouth – the second year in a row the Cherries have won 3-0 at Old Trafford – was a “massive positive” given how starkly is has served to underline the squad’s shortcomings.

Wolves, on the other hand, are one game into a new era after Gary O’Neil was replaced by Vitor Pereira earlier this month. Their 3-0 win over fellow strugglers Leicester City was a potential catalyst for improvement as we reach the halfway stage of the campaign.

What time does Wolves vs Man Utd kick-off?

• Location: Wolverhampton, England
• Stadium: Molineux
• Date: Thursday 26 December
• Kick-off Time: 17:30 GMT / 12:30 ET / 09:30 PT
• Referee: Tony Harrington
• VAR: Matt Donohue

• Wolves: 1 win
• Man Utd: 4 wins
• Draws: 0

• Last meeting: Wolves 3-4 Man Utd (1 February 2024) – Premier League

How to watch Wolves vs Man Utd on TV – UK and US

Liverpool team news

Ibrahima Konate could make his comeback from injury / JUSTIN TALLIS/GettyImages

Liverpool have been without the defensive duo of Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley in recent weeks but both returned to full team training on Friday.

“Conor and Ibou will train with us today [Friday] for the first time.,” said Slot in his pre-match press conference “So, [I am] curious and interested to see where they exactly are, of course. They have worked hard to come back to the team but the next step is always, ‘How do you handle team sessions?’”

Liverpool’s only guaranteed absentee is Joe Gomez, who suffered a hamstring injury in the 5-0 win over West Ham United last time out. Slot has confessed that the defender will be sidelined for “a few weeks” at the very least.

Dominik Szoboszlai returns from his one-game ban and is likely to start in the attacking midfield role.

Liverpool predicted lineup vs Man Utd

Liverpool predicted lineup vs Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz.

Man Utd team news

Bruno Fernandes is back from suspension / Nathan Stirk/GettyImages

Man Utd welcome back skipper Bruno Fernandes and midfielder Manuel Ugarte from suspension after both served one-game bans during the dismal defeat to Newcastle United last Monday. The former is a particularly important returnee given the Red Devils have failed to score in their last three games.

Marcus Rashford’s future in Manchester is uncertain and the forward, who has a strong record against Liverpool, will miss the weekend through illness.

Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount are all sidelined with injury at present, while Jonny Evans could be absent having not featured in the matchday squad against Newcastle.

Man Utd predicted lineup vs Liverpool

Man Utd predicted lineup vs Liverpool (3-4-2-1): Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Amad, Fernandes; Hojlund.

Liverpool vs Man Utd score prediction

Mn Utd will feel trepidatious heading to Anfield given their woeful form and Liverpool’s obvious superiority, with recent trips to the red half of Merseyside painfully embarrassing. Amorim will be hoping for a statement performance from his side on the grandest stage but there is little evidence to suggest that he will be granted his wish.

Man Utd’s defence has been dreadful in recent weeks and they have been far too easy to slice through. Liverpool, who have scored 14 goals in their last three matches, are well placed to put a disorganised backline to the sword.

Three points is all that matters for Liverpool as they chase the Premier League title but a convincing win over their bitter rivals would certainly do no harm. Man Utd’s saving grace may be that their hosts have a Carabao Cup semi-final to worry about midweek.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Man Utd