Manchester United’s first game of 2021 is at Old Trafford as the Red Devils host Wolves.
United are looking to maintain an unbeaten start under new boss Ralf Rangnick and make it four wins from the last five.
A victory would put United just one point behind fourth placed Arsenal with one game in hand, although Tottenham are right in the hunt too, with games in hand.
Expect changes but not an overhaul
United will make a handful of changes, with this game coming so soon after the Burnley match. But there are unlikely to be as many as the six changes which Ralf Rangnick made between the Newcastle and Burnley matches.
One certain change will come in defence, with Raphael Varane likely to retake his place from Eric Bailly. Victor Lindelof could be back on the bench.
The other two changes could be at full-back with Alex Telles and Diogo Dalot rested and ready to re-take their places from Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who both did well against Burnley.
Full-back is an important role in United’s system and the need for fresh legs could lead to Rangnick making the double change to rotate.
Rangnick to stick with 4-4-2
Rangnick went with the 4-4-2 system against Burnley and it worked well, with the team scoring three first half goals for the first time since February.
There is no need to shift from this, even with Bruno Fernandes available for selection again. United could line up with the same front six which worked so well against Burnley.
If there are any changes, it will likely be Marcus Rashford replacing Edinson Cavani and Fred in for Nemanja Matic.
But with United so effective with this front six in the last game, there is a strong case to keep it as it was, fitness permitting.
The plan should be to get off to another strong start and then freshen up with changes in the second half.
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