Boxing Day football delivers an intriguing clash as Manchester United visit Wolves at Molineux. Both teams have been plagued by defensive struggles from set pieces this season, making this a fascinating contest for punters eyeing goalscorer markets.
Manchester United’s Set-Piece Frailties
Manchester United’s vulnerabilities from set pieces were laid bare again during their recent 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. Despite boasting physical defenders like Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane, United have struggled to handle aerial threats.
This issue isn’t new. In 2024, United have conceded 17 goals from set pieces, contributing to their defensive woes. The derby loss to Manchester City saw Josko Gvardiol punish them with a header, underscoring their inability to manage crosses into the box effectively.
With United averaging just 1.4 goals per game in the Premier League since last season, their defensive lapses leave little margin for error.
Wolves’ Defensive Woes Persist
Wolves have conceded a league-high 14 goals from set pieces this season, a glaring weakness new manager Vitor Pereira will struggle to resolve quickly. While Pereira’s reign began brightly with a 3-0 win over Leicester, Wolves’ defensive frailties remain evident, especially during this congested festive period.
Santiago Bueno has shown attacking promise, including a header on target last weekend. Against United’s shaky defence, he could exploit set-piece opportunities at Molineux.
Betting Tips: Back the Defenders
Both teams’ set-piece struggles make defenders like Harry Maguire and Santiago Bueno attractive bets in the goalscorer markets.
- Harry Maguire: The England international has regained form under Ruben Amorim, excelling in aerial duels. Maguire ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals among Europe’s centre-backs over the last 12 months, making him a constant threat in the opposition box.
- Santiago Bueno: Wolves’ centre-back offers solid value at 17.00. With Wolves likely to target United’s weaknesses, Bueno is well-placed to capitalise.
This matchup is poised for drama, and set pieces could prove decisive. For bettors, the value lies in backing defenders to make their mark.
Current Odds for Goalscorers
| Player | Odds |
|---|
| Santiago Bueno | 17.00 |
| Harry Maguire | 10.00 |
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change
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