Wolverhampton vs. Manchester United: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Manchester United will take on Wolverhampton in its first league match since taking over the Premiership lead from rival Manchester City. The Red Devils will have to defend their advantage for 10 games to claim yet another title.

United's victory over West Bromwich Albion paired with a shocking loss by the Citizens to Swansea City, gave the Red Devils their first lead since early in the campaign. They have really buckled down over the past month and appear ready for an extended battle at the top.

The Red Devils can't afford to overlook Wolves, though. They are fighting to get out of the relegation zone, which is nearly as much motivation as a title chase. No team wants to be forced out of England's top division, so the Wanderers aren't going to roll over just because it's Manchester United.

Where: Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England

When: Sunday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m. ET

Watch: Fox Soccer Channel and FoxSoccer.tv

Betting Odds: Manchester United -295, Wolverhampton +750, Draw +355

Player to Watch for Wolverhampton: Steven Fletcher

Fletcher has been Wolves' only consistent offensive threat. He has 10 goals in 22 appearances, including the team's only tally against Manchester United in a 4-1 rout back in December. Without him leading the charge, Wolverhampton's relegation would be a done deal. He's at least given them a chance.

It will be important for him to get several touches early. He has scored just once in his last seven games, so it's no surprise the Wanderers have been struggling. Getting him involved in the match's opening stages should allow him to get back on track.

His performance down the stretch will decide where Wolves plays next season.

Player to Watch for Manchester United: Wayne Rooney

If it wasn't for Robin van Persie's tremendous season, everybody would be talking about Rooney's dominance. The England star has found the net 20 times in 24 games and has been on fire as of late, scoring nine goals in over his past six starts.

The team's title chances are going to depend heavily on how long he can maintain this form. It's no secret that Manchester United is at its most dangerous when Rooney is playing like an all-world talent. When he struggles, so do the Red Devils.

Look for him to continue his hot streak on Sunday.

Key Matchup: Matthew Jarvis vs. Nani

Jarvis is quietly having another solid season in Wolverhampton's midfield. He can fill any number of roles, whether it be a playmaker in the attacking third or tracking back to help on defense. That versatility makes him a lot more valuable than his stats would suggest.

Nani and Antonio Valencia have formed a dynamic duo for the Red Devils. The pair's ability to control possession allows more space for Rooney and the other strikers to work their magic. Nani, whose best feature is his lightning quickness, has six goals and eight assists.

Whichever midfielder is able to create more scoring opportunities will put his team on the road to victory. Nani gives the Red Devils an edge.

What They're Saying

Wolverhampton midfielder David Davis received his first start last weekend and the 21-year-old is hoping to be featured once again against the Red Devils, according to the official team site.

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Hopefully I can impose myself in training this week because there's a big game on Sunday. But the next ten games are big. I have to train my hardest and give TC a bit of thought towards having me involved against Manchester United.

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Sam Bisby of Goal.com passed along some thoughts from Rooney, who believes his team has earned its current place in the table:

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"This is where we want to be at the finish,” Rooney told MUTV.

"I don't think we have had the credit we deserve these past few months.

"Europe has been disappointing but we've played well against the big teams recently. We've not always been at our best but we fully deserve to be top."

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Prediction

Manchester United 3, Wolverhampton 0