The first two games of Julen Lopetegui’s tenure as Wolves’ head coach have resulted in victories for his team, including a 2-0 victory over Gillingham in the EFL Cup on December 20.
Wolves defeated Everton 2-1 in the Premier League, coming from behind to win at Goodison Park. Daniel Podence tied the game in the 22nd minute after Yerry Mina had opened the scoring, and Rayan Ait-Nouri scored the game-winning goal in the 95th. The outcome put the 2017–18 tournament champions into position 18, only one point below Everton in 17th place.
Lopetegui’s appointment as the head coach looks to have provided the side an advantage; the 56-year-old has previously managed Spain and Real Madrid during his career. Wolves will play Aston Villa in the Premier League on January 4, then play Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup and EFL Cup, respectively. Wolves have a hectic start to the month of January.
There is no escaping the reality that the team has had a difficult first half of the season, but the victory over Everton would have been a big confidence booster at a crucial point in the campaign.
Manchester United is also in a good form
Man United, meanwhile, comes into this game after defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League on Tuesday night, with goals from Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Fred.
The Red Devils returned to play on December 21 following the World Cup, defeating Burnley 2-0 to advance in the EFL Cup and dominating Forest to close the gap on fourth-place Spurs in the standings to one point with a match remaining for Antonio Conte’s team. After a shaky start to the season, Erik ten Hag’s team has now won nine, drawn two, and lost four of their 15 league games for a total of 29 points. There have been several encouraging indicators.
More matches for the men in red
After this contest, Man United will play four straight home games against Bournemouth, Manchester City, Everton, and Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup and EFL Cup, respectively, at Old Trafford. With 13 points from eight games, the Red Devils have the fifth-best away record in the Premier League this year, but they have given up 16 goals on the road so far.
For more Football Stories, click here.
