Source: Manchester_EveningNews
Wolves v United: Preview
Rio Ferdinand returns to the Manchester United starting line-up at Wolves. Ferdinand has missed two games, plus England's midweek win over Egypt, with a back injury. However, Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed the move was only precautionary and the 31-year-old will return for the Reds at Molineux. A draw would take United top but Ferguson will demand all three points with leaders Chelsea in FA Cup action this week. Nani is available after suspension but Ryan Giggs (broken arm) will not be available until next weekend. Michael Owen (hamstring) is out, Wayne Rooney (knee) is doubtful. Ferguson, meanwhile, has expressed his disappointment that Rooney played almost the entire game for England against Egypt on Wednesday. Ferguson left Rooney out of his Manchester United starting line-up for Sunday's Carling Cup final because he was worried about the draining effects the Wembley pitch would have on his star man ahead of a busy club schedule, including next Wednesday's Champions League return with AC Milan at Old Trafford. As Rooney picked up a minor knee injury at the weekend, Ferguson was unsure whether the 24-year-old would be available for the final Three Lions game before Fabio Capello picks his provisional squad in May. However, not only did Rooney play, he was only taken off in the final stages of England's 3-1 win. Although it is not thought Ferguson is attaching any blame to Capello, he is clearly not happy. We have to assess Wayne because he played almost 90 minutes for England the other night at Wembley, which I was disappointed in, said Ferguson. When you are playing on that pitch for almost an hour on Sunday and then nearly a full game on Wednesday it's far too much. Now he is a doubt for Wolves. Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is set to name an unchanged starting line-up. McCarthy is poised to retain the team that has started the last three games. Striker Andy Keogh retains his place in the squad after suffering no reaction to his comeback from ankle surgery when he made his return as a substitute at Bolton last weekend. Keogh is again likely to be on the bench as Wolves seek only their second win in 10 league games. Winger Michael Kightly and midfielder Dave Edwards are still sidelined. Kightly, who had ankle surgery in November, now has knee problems while Edwards is continuing his rehabilitation following an ankle operation in December. Wolverhampton Wanderers (from): Hahnemann, Zubar, Craddock, Berra, Ward, Foley, Guedioura, Henry, Jones, Jarvis, Doyle, Keogh, Mancienne, Castillo, Bia, Milijas, Elokobi, Vokes, Ebanks-Blake, Maierhofer, Hennessey. Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Neville, Rafael, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Fabio, Obertan, Nani, Valencia, Carrick, Fletcher, Scholes, Gibson, Park, Rooney, Berbatov, Diouf. Wolves league form: DLWLL United league form: WWDLW Key opponent: Kevin Doyle - striker is always a livewire Prediction: Wolves 0 United 1 - if Rooney doesn't make it it could be tough going for the Reds, but they should win nonetheless Agree with the prediction? Have your say. Click here for all the latest odds from Betfred.
