The 411:
Manchester United will continue their form revival against Wolves at home. Sound familiar? That's cause we played Wolves at home about a week and a half ago in the Carling Cup. It was a pretty tough game but we managed to come out on top and win 3-2 with goals from Bébé, Park, and Chicharito scoring for us.
Chasing the Title:
United are in a much healthier position than they were a few weeks ago. We are sitting in 3rd - behind Chelsea by 5 points and Arsenal by 2 goals. There's a long way to go in the league and I can see us duking it out with Chelsea for first place by Boxing Day. Basically, it ain't over till the fat lady sings... and I still haven't heard a note out of Rafa Benitez.
Where We Stand:
1|Chelsea|10P|24GD|25PTS
2|Arsenal|10P|12GD|20PTS
3|United|10P|10GD|20PTS
4|Man City|10P|3GD|17PTS
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5|Tottenham|10P|1GD|15PTS
Enemy Form:
Wolves are 19th in the table but shook off their loss to United by beating City 2-1, a feat that I applaud them highly for. They are L-L-D-L-W in their last five games and if the law of averages apply, we SHOULD beat them tonight. Then again, morale in Wolverhampton should be sky-high after an impressive win against City. Basically: (Wolves high morale) + (Typical Wolves aggression) = a potentially tough game for us tonight. They might not be on fire, but I can guarantee you that it won't be smooth sailing for us.
Players to Look Out For:
Last time I did this, I said that Stephen Hunt is a man we need to watch. I still think that, but since he's just recovered from injury, he made a smaller impact than I thought he would. For tonight, United need to pay attention to the winger Matt Jarvis. He is Wolves' top scorer with a whopping 2 goals since the start of the season.
In all seriousness though, we need to defend better along the wings as that's where we were exposed for both goals against in the last game against Wolves. So one key man for us tonight will be Park Ji-Sung. Park has the determination and stamina to provide goals and get on his bike to help out the defense. Also, as TSR reader Kirk pointed out, Park has shown that he deserves more time out there and with Valencia and Nani sitting this one out, this is another chance for United's resident Korean to show us what he can do.
The other United man to watch will be Dimitar Berbatov. He hasn't been as productive as he was at the start of the season and I have a hunch that tonight is when he finally breaks that duck. Why? Well he should be reunited with Chicharito and those two have shown us before that they can combine better than sour cream and sweet chili sauce.
On the Home Front:
As some of you may already know, Wayne Rooney is headed stateside for a trip to Portland, OR for a conditioning camp at Niketown. How awesome does that sound?
Also, a virus has been going around Old Trafford and that means that Jevans, Macheda, Gibson (collective "NOOO!!!"), and Anderson (collective "HOORAY!") aren't likely to play to play tonight. Other doubts include Darren Fletcher who is suffering from Amer Salman syndrome and rolled his ankle against Bursaspor in mid-week. The two Owen's are still out injured and so is Valencia and Nani who's groin isn't looking too good after tweaking it against Bursaspor.
TSR's Thoughts
1. I've said it once, and I'll say it again. Park will score or assist tonight.
2. I have a feeling that Fabael might start as our fullbacks and Obertan will play.
3. How hard is it to get a job as the stadium announcer?
4. Have we all thanked Ikmal for filling in against Bursaspor?
4b. I haven't... thanks bro!
Can't go back.
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