Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United battle for three points in the Premier League at Molineux on Thursday.
Wolves secured a 2-0 away victory against Black Country rivals West Bromwich Albion in a controversial FA Cup fourth-round tie on Sunday. Before that, they played out a goalless draw with Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.
On the other hand, Manchester United survived a potential scare against League Two outfit Newport County in their own FA Cup tie, progressing to the next round with a 4-2 win at Rodney Parade. Erik ten Hag’s men now turn their attention back to the Premier League, where they drew 2-2 at home to Tottenham Hotspur in their last outing.
With a mouthwatering clash on the cards, here are the three key battles to watch out for:
#1 Bruno Fernandes vs Mario Lemina
Bruno Fernandes is the beating heart of this Manchester United side. He finds spaces effectively, times his runs well, and often takes risks in the final third. The Portuguese is a top creator as well as a fine goalscorer, as demonstrated by his lovely low drive against Newport County in the FA Cup on Sunday.
If the Manchester United skipper gets time and space on the ball in the middle of the park, he could wreak havoc against Wolves. That is why Wolves will need a strong performance from Mario Lemina in midfield. The Gabonese not only acts as a shield but also as a driving force, frequently initiating attacks from deep.
If the hosts intend to stop Fernandes from making an impact, Lemina has to bring his A-game to the floor on Thursday.
#2 Pedro Neto vs Lisandro Martinez
Wolves are expected to line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Pedro Neto operating as an inside forward from the right flank. Before suffering a hamstring injury against Newcastle United in October, Neto was flying. He registered seven assists in his first 10 appearances, making him the most productive creator in the league. After scoring in Wolves’ 2-0 win over West Brom in the FA Cup, the Portuguese winger now has his sights set on Manchester United.
The 23-year-old is particularly a potent weapon in transitions, which should worry Erik ten Hag’s side. Having made his first start since September against Newport on Sunday, the fit-again Lisandro Martinez will have his task cut out. The Argentinean centre-back is a good reader of the game, composed in possession, and forceful off the ball.
Considering Neto knows how to turn chances into goals in the blink of an eye, Martinez has to be switched on from minute one until the last to tame Wolves’ most dangerous player.
#3 Alejandro Garnacho vs Nelson Semedo
Alejandro Garnacho has been one of the rare bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Manchester United. The youngster’s pace, directness, and flair make him a dangerous player in attack, especially during swift counter-attacks. Also, given his off-the-ball work ethic, the Argentinean has become one of the first names on Ten Hag’s team sheet.
Garnacho is expected to operate from the left flank for the visitors, and in that case, he should come up against Wolves’ right wing-back Nelson Semedo. As the teenager is a pest with his pressing and energy, Semedo has to be on his toes and defend very well against him.
Being an offensive-minded full-back/wing-back, the Portugal international may need to hold himself back at times and not push forward at every opportunity. He must deal with Garnacho first before thinking of contributing in the final third for Wolves. On the other hand, Garnacho will look to pin Semedo back as much as possible, allowing fit-again left-back Luke Shaw to overlap and underlap.
