 Game of the Week: Man United vs Wolves
as previewed by Lee Price
How would I describe the Premiership campaign so far? Well, it's not the most eloquent description, but the phrase I'd opt for is "Bloody Hell!".
The topsy-turvy table, particularly at the top, means that the ever so predictable Premiership has been anything but; who would've predicted that Liverpool would be seventh coming into the festive period, level on points with newly-promoted Birmingham?
Manchester United must have been jumping for joy having witnessed league leaders Chelsea follow defeat to Manchester City last weekend with a draw at home to Everton. Faced with the opportunity to go level on points with the West London club, Sir Alex Ferguson's men were usurped by Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
After their fourth league defeat of the season already, Ferguson's side have the chance to bounce back immediately as another Midlands outfit visit the Theatre of Dreams - with Mick McCarthy's Wolves looking to follow their surprise victory over Tottenham, which has dragged them up out of the relegation zone.
United's injury crisis is still at large, with nine players definitely ruled out - including regular starters Edwin Van der Sar, Rio Ferdinand, Rafel and Jonny Evans - while BBC 'Sport Personality of the Year' Ryan Giggs is doubtful.
With no alternative, Darren Fletcher will continue as make-shift right back, while Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown should marshall the centre of defence.
Having witnessed local rivals Aston Villa do the unexpected at win at Old Trafford, Wolves will feel that they have a chance of doing the same. After all, Villa's win was their first at Old Trafford since 1983 - the last time Wolves secured back-to-back top-flight victories. Coincidence?
Wanderers will have already been aware that they'd need to defend resolutely, but the fact that Saturday's 1-0 defeat of Tottenham was only their second clean-sheet of the season adds extra emphasis to their defensive performance. If they can keep out the likes of Messrs Rooney, Berbatov, Owen and co. then they may well up-stage Fergson's 900th league match at the Red Devils.
Dave Edwards' ankle ligament injury sustained against Spurs will keep the midfielder out of the festive period, adding him to the injury list alongside Andrew Keogh, Michael Kightly, Matt Murray and Ronald Zubar.
Sylvain Ebanks-Blake will look to make an impression upon his return to Old Trafford and, should he start, has the ability to pull a bit of magic out of the bag - something that can spark a shock result.
Realistically, though, United won't want back-to-back defeats, and can't afford to drop points again, so will be fired up and looking to kill off any enthusiasm from the opposition immediately.
Verdict: Rooney dances with Wolves, as the United talisman rides off into the sunset with a match-winning contribution.
Rest of the games:
Tuesday, 15th December 2009
Birmingham vs Blackburn: Verdict: Tight affair to end in home side's favour, with a single goal securing a crucial victory.
Bolton vs West Ham: Verdict: The match will finish all square as both teams cancel each other out.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa: Verdict: Back-to-back away wins ending formidable home records as Villa look to learn from the harsh lessons of last season.
Wednesday, 16th December 2009
Burnley vs Arsenal: Verdict: Gunners to blast through the Turf Moor fortress in style.
Chelsea vs Portsmouth: Verdict: After four games without a win, the Blues get back to winning ways - still with top spot intact.
Liverpool vs Wigan: Verdict: It is symptomatic of their plight that Liverpool are grateful for every point at the moment; they should get three more on Wednesday evening.
Tottenham vs Man City: Verdict: Pulsating game, lots of goals - shared equally between two of the season's "nearly" sides.
For full previews and accounts of all these games, please visit www.football-previews.co.uk
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