Preview: Manchester United v Wolves

Venue: Old Trafford
Date: Tueday, 15December 2009
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson will be demanding a more ruthless attacking performance than was shown against Aston Villa for the visit of Wolverhampton at Old Trafford.

Last weekend Chelsea’s draw with Everton provided Manchester United with the chance to draw level at the top of the table, but profligacy in front of goal saw them succumb to a 0-1 defeat against Villa, which now leaves them 3 points behind their rivals.

However, a win against Wolves would make partial amends, taking Ferguson’s side level on points with the Londoners for at least 24 hours.

Ryan Giggs – recently named BBC Sport’s Personality of the Year – is unlikely to be risked, having been substituted at half time against Villa after suffering a mild hamstring strain.

United’s defensive crisis continues with the long list of absentee defenders remaining much the same, meaning Darren Fletcher is set to continue in his make-shift position at right-back.

Nemanja Vidic should start at centre-back alongside Wes Brown Usual centre half Rio Ferdinand and back up Jonny Evans are absent until the new year, and they’re joined on the injury list by captain Gary Neville (groin), John O’Shea (thigh), Fabio Da Silva (groin) and Rafael Da Silva(ankle). Kuszczak should continue in goal for the injured Van der Sar.

Wolves could be without Dave Edwards for up to ten weeks after the midfielder picked up an ankle ligament injury against Tottenham on Saturday and his absence could mean a recall for versatile full-back Kevin Foley, who is set to be drafted in on the right wing.

Manchester United (from): Kuszczak, Foster, Fletcher, Vidic, Carrick, Evra, Park, Nani, Valencia, Obertan, Anderson, Scholes, Gibson, Rooney, Berbatov, Owen, Welbeck.

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