This Wednesday evening sees a vital Champions League match, when Man United take on German side Wolfsburg at Old Trafford. Kick-off at 19:45 BST.
Match Stats
Manchester United have started the season in positive fashion. They are coming off a 3-0 victory over Sunderland and currently United sit on top of the Premier League table on 16 points.
Manchester United did not take part in last season’s tournament. However previous to this, the club have a very rich Champions League history. This is pointed out by the fact that United have only lost 3 of their last 46 Champions League home ties.
Manchester United’s recent domestic home form reads a very strong looking W11, D2, L2.
When facing the Top Premier League sides United’s recent home record reads a reasonable looking W5, D3, L2. It should also be noted that United have won 4 of the last 5 matches.
United’s Champions League home form is solid and reads W7, D1, L2.
Since 2000 the 2 sides have met once in this competition. In 2009 with United running out 2-1 winners.
This is only the second time that Wolfsburg have qualified for the Champions League and back in 2009 they lost 2 away matches whilst winning 1.
Wolfsburg have made a reasonable start to the season and after drawing 1-1 with Hannover at the weekend they currently sit in 4th place on 12 points. Wolfsburg’s recent domestic away form reads W5, D6, L4
When facing the Top Bundesliga sides away from home, Wolfsburg’s record is poor and reads a very uninspiring W1, D1, L8. Indeed this was demonstrated last week when they lost 1-5 away at champions Bayern Munich.
Goal Lines
As far as goals are concerned then the stats point to a high scoring affair. If we look at both sides last 10 respective home and away games against their league’s elite sides. Then 3 or more goals have been seen in 13 matches, and 2 or less goals have been seen in 7. 9 of United’s last 15 Premier League home games have seen 3 or more goals as have 8 of Wolfsburg’s last 15 domestic away games. My ratings suggest value in backing over 2.5 goals.
Summary
With United losing their opening match away at PSV, it is vital they get something against a Wolfsburg side who won their opening game at home to CSKA Moscow. Here we have a Manchester United side who have a strong record at home to German sides in this competition. Since 2000 their record hosting Bundesliga sides reads W5, D3, L1.
Wolfsburg’s away record to English sides in Europe is restricted to the Europa League and they lost 1-2 at Fulham in in 2010 and 1-4 last season at Everton. Indeed visiting top class opposition looks a problem for Wolfsburg and when visiting the Bundesliga elite sides their last 20 game away record reads a very poor looking W3, D3, L14. Here they are coming up against a Manchester United who historically in these situations know how to get the job done. So my recommended trade is Manchester United -0.5/1.0 at around 2.00.