The final Premier League match of Game Week 21 takes place on Monday evening, as Manchester United take on Wolves at Old Trafford.
There are just two places separating the two sides, but it’s United that have had the edge in recent meetings, with the Red Devils unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Wolves.
A win for the hosts will move them into the top six, with just two other Premier League fixtures for Ralph Rangnick’s men before the end of January.
Rangnick looking to build a home base
One of the things that Manchester United’s new manager Ralf Rangnick will be targeting is making Old Trafford a fortress once again, with the hosts having won their last three home league games.
It’s now six Premier League games unbeaten for United and although they are still a way from being the finished article, they have now set a base to build from.
Rangnick’s men have conceded just two goals in their last four league games and are slowing getting to grips with the style the German wants them to play.
Many have questioned whether Cristiano Ronaldo, at the age of 36, can have an impact in the high-press and whether he might need to be used more sparingly.
But the Portuguese ace has scored twice in the last three games and the former Real Madrid and Juventus ace is 5/2 to score first on Monday.
Edinson Cavani is one player who looks to have benefited from Rangnick’s arrival, starting the win over Burnley after scoring the equaliser in the draw at Newcastle United.
The Uruguayan’s goal record for United is impressive, finding the net 12 times in just 34 appearances and Cavani is 6/5 to score at anytime against Wolves.
Lage goes back to basics
Wolves head to Old Trafford having kept five clean sheets in their last seven Premier League games, during which time they have collected nine points.
After a frustrating start to the season, Bruno Lage has made sure that his side are difficult to beat – especially against the teams in the top six.
They were unfortunate to lose by one goal against both Manchester City and Liverpool and held Chelsea to a 0-0 draw, in what has been a difficult schedule in December.
Wanderers are likely to play with the same mentality against United, with the hope of keeping things tight and then trying to hit the hosts on the break.
For those optimistic of Wolves’ chances of taking something from the game, the 6/4 double-chance will be a tempting prospect.
Patience the key for United success
In each of the last ten meetings between the sides, there has either been a draw or just one goal between the two teams.
You have to go back to 1980 though for Wolves’ last win at Old Trafford and that run looks likely to continue beyond Monday evening.
Prior to their 3-1 win over Burnley, of United’s previous six goals, five of them had been scored in the second half of matches and they may be made to wait again.
With Wolves’ well drilled defensive unit, a tie HT/Man Utd FT is of interest at 3/1, especially when that has come in in two of the last three meetings.
*All odds correct at time of writing
