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Premier League preview: Manchester United v Wolves

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Premier League preview: Manchester United v Wolves

Despite losing against Chelsea and Manchester United in the short space of four days in the Premier League and Carling Cup respectively, Wolves were far from poor.

 
Although their perilous league position suggested otherwise, Mick McCarthy’s side took the game to both top four opponents and were rather unfortunate to suffer back-to-back defeats. But they were eventually rewarded for their recent efforts last weekend after sealing a 2-1 victory against Manchester City.

 
It wasn’t a fluke, or even much of a surprise to those who’d watched them closely against either of the previous two Premier League giants.

 
Now, they have a chance to build on that impressive Man City result, albeit against the Red Devils at Old Trafford.

 
Top-flight fixtures barely come much tougher – particularly when United haven’t lost in the league all season and veteran manager Sir Alex Ferguson is poised to celebrate his 24th anniversary in charge of the club.

 
When the two teams met last week, only a late goal from Javier Hernandez put Ferguson’s side into the Carling Cup quarter-finals at the expense of McCarthy’s men following a thrilling second-half which ended 3-2 to the hosts.

 
If the visitors can replicate their second-half performance they’ll stand a chance. United have a host of injury concerns coming into this tie – including the influential Nani, Darren Fletcher and, of course, Wayne Rooney – and Wolves may fancy their chances of upsetting the odds once again this weekend against the red half of Manchester.

 
The West Midlands outfit are currently joined in the bottom three by Blackburn Rovers, who travel to 17th place Wigan Athletic, and bottom side West Ham.

 
The Hammers haven’t won away from home all season but will try to end their barren spell at St Andrew’s when they face Birmingham City this weekend. West Ham co-owner David Gold won’t be in attendance, though, after being banned from the Blues’ home ground. Gold, who was the former chairman of Birmingham City, is alleged to have made false accusations about his time at the club in a newspaper article earlier this week and has subsequently incurred their wrath.

 
Meanwhile, Stoke City could also be dragged back into the relegation mire unless they get a positive result at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland. The hosts were humiliated by local rivals Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby last Sunday – a match which manager Steve Bruce dubbed the worst of his managerial career. The Mackems will be thankful to get back on home territory after the 5-1 drubbing, while the Potters are bidding to bring an end to their three-match losing streak.

 
With just six points currently separating Tottenham in fifth place and Blackburn in 18th, the Premier League table should take on a whole new look come the end of the weekend.

 
And one possibility is that Blackpool could occupy fifth spot. Ian Holloway’s team host in-form Everton, off the back of Monday’s morale-boosting 2-1 victory over West Brom. The Seasiders have already beaten one Merseyside club this season – a 2-1 win against Liverpool last month – but they will need to hit top gear to overcome the Toffees, who continue their ascent back up the league table after a poor start.

 
Saturday afternoon’s remaining match takes place at Craven Cottage between Fulham and Aston Villa. Both clubs have 12 points from their first 10 matches, but the Villains’ suspect away record leaves a lot to be desired. Under Gerard Houllier, Villa have won just one match away from home, and that was in his first league game in charge of the club against local rivals Wolves. The French manager could call on the services of raw England Under-21 international striker Nathan Delfouneso after Emile Heskey and John Carew were both ruled out with lengthy injuries this week, which must have put a smile on the face of Fulham boss Mark Hughes.

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