Explainers

KOBBIE MAINOO scored a superb late winner as Manchester United edged a seven-goal THRILLER at Molineux that had seen them blow a 3-1 lead with five minutes to go.Teenage sensation Mainoo, 18, scored a 97th-minute winner after Wolves thought they had snatched a draw from Erik ten Hag’s side.
The build up to the game had been overshadowed by Rashford missing training after partying in Belfast – but the England forward stroked in a brilliant strike from the edge of the box after just five minutes.
Rasmus Hojlund then doubled the lead for the visitors at Molinuex before Pablo Sarabia pulled a goal back from the spot after a Casemiro foul.
The fight-back appeared short-lived, with Scott McTominay soon scoring a third, before United then blew a two-goal lead and Wolves drew level at 3-3 – Max Kilman and then Pedro Neto seemingly earning a point for the home side.
But Molineux drama was not done as Mainoo scored a brilliant curling effort deep into injury time.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL

Wolves XI: Sa, Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Toti, Doherty, Lemina, Doyle, Neto, Cunha, Bellegarde.

Manchester United XI: Onana, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mainoo, Garnacho, Rashford, Hojlund.

Match report:
MANCHESTER UNITED had wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo to thank after sealing a last-gasp winner.
The midfielder’s 97th minute winner capped off a seven-goal thriller.
Wolves had battled back from 3-1 to level late as Pedro Neto thought his 95th minute equaliser would see the points shared.
But Mainoo left the Molineux as the hero with a winner at the death.
You can read the full match report, here…
Copy linkCopiedMatch stats:
This is how the match stats look at full-time.
It was a dominant display by United in the first half, and they could’ve had four goals in that 45 minutes alone.
Wolves bit back in the second half, and created more chances than United, but a few moments of brilliance allows the Red Devils to take home all three points in the end.
The match stats as Man Utd nicked a last minute winner against Wolves
Copy linkCopiedWhip-Rash
It was the return to the team Marcus Rashford would have been after, when he opened the scoring for Man Utd just a few minutes into this match.
It was a plush right-footed finish into the top right corner, which Jose Sa couldn’t get anywhere near.
Whether he has learnt his lesson from his Belfast bender remains to be seen, but with performances like that, no one will have a problem with actions like that.
“Case closed” Said Erik ten Hag before the game, and it was case closed indeed just three minutes in.
Marcus Rashford scored the opening goal in just three minutes for UnitedCredit: Getty
Copy linkCopiedKobbie Mainoo reacts:
The Manchester United academy starlet scored an absolute worldie to win the game for his side tonight in the dying moments.
He nutmegged one player, before cutting onto his right foot and then curled an effort into the bottom right corner of the net.
This is what he had to say to TNT Sports after the game:
I’ve still not come down from it, I feel like I’m dreaming!”Kobbie MainooOn his first Premier League goal
Copy linkCopiedFULL-TIME! Wolves 3-4 Manchester United
90+10. What a game.
The referee calls it to a close, after 10 added minutes.
Incredible.
Kobbie Mainoo scored the winner for Manchester United against WolvesCredit: Getty
Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLL! Wolves 3-4 Manchester United
AND NICK A WINNER THEY DO!MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE NABBED IT! IT’S KOBBIE MAINOO!Excellent skill from the youngster to nutmeg a Wolves midfielder, before he cuts inside and bends an effort beautifully into the far right corner!
I can’t believe what I’m watching!

Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLLLL! Wolves 3-3 Manchester United
IT’S LEVEL! WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT?Manchester United left themselves vulnerable at the back with so many men forward attacking the corner.
Wolves drove forward and found Pedro Neto who lashed a shot into the near post corner!
It’s all level!
And there is still time for someone to nick a winner!
Copy linkCopiedWolves 2-3 Manchester United
90+3. A late corner for Manchester United, and it has presented Man Utd with a HUGE chance to go a goal clear!
Bruno plays the corner short, and Shaw’s cross takes a deflection off off of Evans and falls to the feet of Scott McTominay who’s shot is saved by Jose Sa.
They’ve got a lot of players forward here though, and they could be vulnerable on the break…
Copy linkCopiedWolves 2-3 Manchester United
90. There will be NINE, yes, NINE minutes of added time here at Molineux.
Copy linkCopiedWolves 2-3 Manchester United
88. Just when you think it’s over, Wolves don’t give up.
They are really putting the pressure on here.
Omari Forson is on to replace Rasmus Hojlund, and Harry Maguire on to replace Lisandro Martinez.
Copy linkCopiedGOALLLLL! Wolves 2-3 Manchester United
86. WOLVES ARE STILL FIGHTING, AND THEY BITE BACK AGAIN!
A corner is whipped into the box, and scissor kicked by Craig Dawson towards goal.
It doesn’t go in, but falls to Max Kilman who hits home!
They couldn’t… Could they?

Copy linkCopiedWolves 1-3 Manchester United
84. Joao Gomes and Nathan Fraser are coming on for the home side here.
They are replacing Toti and Tommy Doyle.
Copy linkCopiedWolves 1-3 Manchester United
82. Excellent composure from Kobbie Mainoo in a dangerous position there to turn away from two oncoming Wolves attackers and then pick out Bruno Fernandes.
Two warming up for Wolves here…
Copy linkCopiedWolves 1-3 Manchester United
80. Erik ten Hag will be very pleased with the character shown by his team to concede a goal and almost immediately respond with a goal of their own.
Copy linkCopiedWolves 1-3 Manchester United
78. That’s an excellent finish from McTominay.
The ball was swung in by Bruno Fernandes from the corner, and although it was poor defending by Wolves to leave McTominay with a free header, it was a great finish that bounced into the top corner.
Copy linkCopiedGOALLLL! Wolves 1-3 Manchester United
IT’S THREE! THAT IS HOW YOU RESPOND!IT’S SCOTT MCTOMINAY WITH HIS FIRST TOUCH!
He’s Manchester United’s top goalscorer in the Premier League this season, and that is why!

Copy linkCopiedWolves 1-2 Manchester United
75. Anthony is on in place of Marcus Rashford, and Scott McTominay is coming on for Casemiro.
Copy linkCopiedWolves 1-2 Manchester United
74. Manchester United should have been home and dry in this game, with two disallowed goals and two huge chances missed by Casemiro and Hojlund.
Wolves will smell blood now, and you can bet your bottom dollar that they are gonna go for this now…
Copy linkCopiedGOALLLL! Wolves 1-2 Manchester United
70. The penalty is given, but Casemiro survives without a card.
Sarabia steps up…
AND HE SCORES! HIS FIRST TOUCH OF THE GAME!
Manchester United’s lead is HALVED!
Copy linkCopiedPENALTY! Wolves 0-2 Manchester United
68. A huge chance for Wolves to get back in the game here, as Casemiro brings down Pedro Neto inside the box.
VAR will check this though…
Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-2 Manchester United
66. Erik ten Hag has spoken a lot about injuries, and this game might just be proving his point.
Dalot lines up a half-volley just outside the box, but his effort is poor and drops wide of the post.
Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-2 Manchester United
64. A moment of chaos for the Wolves defence, as Jose Sa comes out of his box and appears to handball it when he slips.
Lemina clears up his goalkeepers mess and no free-kick is given.
Wolves survive.
Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-2 Manchester United
61. Wolves look like they are growing into the game a bit now, and a few more chances are coming their way following that first chance.
They are pinning United into their own half for the first time in the game now.
Could the Red Devils live to rue their missed chances?
Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-2 Manchester United
59. HOW ON EARTH HAS HE SAVED THAT?
That looked almost destined to be a way back into the game for Wolves, but Andre Onana has somehow saved his side.
The ball was in his close quarters, when Dawson’s attempt at goal was heading in, that was before the Cameroonian keeper saved the ball with HIS FACE…
Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-2 Manchester United
57. ANOTHER chance for Man Utd WASTED.
Garnacho nicks the ball from the Wolves defence once again and drives into the box.
He sets up Hojlund perfectly, but his first touch lets him down and his shot is saved.
United should be out of sight here.
Copy linkCopied More

IT doesn’t get much bigger than this as Arsenal welcome Liverpool to north London – and the result could have a major impact on who lifts the Premier League title in May.The Gunners are still yet to play the free-flowing football that saw them lead the race for three-quarters of the way last season.
Gabriel Jesus was the star of the show against Nottingham ForestCredit: Alamy
Luis Diaz added to Liverpool’s rout against ChelseaCredit: Alamy
But Mikel Arteta’s men have returned from their Dubai camp with two wins from two – a thumping 5-0 win against Palace, followed by a gruelling 2-1 victory away at Nottingham Forest.
However, Liverpool currently holds the crown for the most in-form side in the league as their only defeat this campaign came way back in September 2023.
And Jurgen Klopp’s men continued this incredible run by battering Chelsea 4-1 at Anfield on Wednesday.
Three points for Arsenal would see them close the gap on Liverpool to two points, but if the Reds win, Mikel Arteta’s title aspirations could be over.
Read more on Arsenal
When is Arsenal vs Liverpool?

Arsenal’s mouthwatering match against Liverpool will take place on Sunday, February 4.
It is scheduled to get underway at 4:30pm GMT.
Emirates Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge clash and it can host approximately 60,704 fans.
Liverpool beat Arsenal 2-0 on this very ground when the sides last met in an FA Cup encounter last month.

What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

Arsenal vs Liverpool will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
Coverage is expected to commence from 4pm GMT on Sky Sports Main Event – 30 minutes before kick-off.
Fans also have the option to stream the match through NOW TV.
Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the entire game through our live blog.

What is the team news?
Mikel Arteta will be hoping that he can finally reintroduce Thomas Partey to the squad after the midfielder returned to full training last week.
But the Arsenal boss is expected to continue without Jurrien Timber (knee), Fabio Vieira (groin) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (Asian Cup).
Most read in Football
Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp would have been delighted to come out of the Chelsea win with no fresh injury concerns.
But Joel Matip (knee), Stefan Bajcetic (calf), Thiago (hip) and Kostas Tsmimikas (broken collarbone) all remain unavailable.
While talisman Mohamed Salah continues to nurse his hamstring strain.
Mohamed Salah will miss the huge Arsenal clashCredit: Getty
What are the latest odds?

Arsenal to win 5/4
Draw 13/5
Liverpool to win 15/8

*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More

MANCHESTER UNITED travel to Wolves looking to extend their three-match unbeaten run – but the game could be overshadowed by Marcus Rashford’s situation.The England star was left out of the squad to face Newport in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday after partying in Belfast last week.
Marcus Rashford missed the game at Newport but could feature at MolineuxCredit: Getty
Erik ten Hag’s side are searching for consistencyCredit: Getty
Wolves tasted victory in the Black Country derby last time outCredit: Getty
Rashford missed training following a 12-hour tequila bender and has been fined £650,000 by the club – two weeks wages.
Erik ten Hag addressed the matter stating it is an “internal matter” he will “deal with”.
Rashford, 26, is available but might not feature at Molineux, with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony starting instead of the forward against Newport.
United came out on top when these two sides met on the opening weekend of the season, though the Red Devils had the officials to thank after they failed to award Wolves a stoppage time penalty that would have given them to opportunity to level the match at 1-1.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Meanwhile Wolves have faced an eventful period themselves following the outbreak of fighting in the Black Country derby clash with West Brom in the FA Cup.
Gary O’Neil’s side came out on top in that encounter and will be hoping to land another blow on a big six club, having beaten Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea this season.
Recent form
United are unbeaten in three games in 2024 but have played only one Premier League game – a 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
But the Red Devils have still struggled for consistency with just one win in their last six Premier League games.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
Wolves have faired a lot better of late with O’Neil’s team beginning to find their stride.
They oversaw a difficult derby challenge with ease to extend their unbeaten run to seven games.
Wolves have won five of those matches and have not lost at home since September.
Team News
Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Casemiro all returned for United against Newport.
But Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a doubt after missing that clash, with Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia still missing.
The biggest question mark is whether Rashford will feature, while Andre Onana is away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
For Wolves Joao Gomes is suspended while Pablo Sarabia and Hwang Hee-chan are sidelined through injury.
Ones to watch
Alejandro Garnacho has caught the eye in recent matces and his ability to stretch the Wolves defence will likely be United’s greatest source of joy in attack.
But keeping Wolves at bay is vital and Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro will be key for the visitors.
Meanwhile the hosts’ success is down to the team being greater than the sum of its parts.
Gomes is a miss but Matheus Cunha is finding form in front of goal and proved a thorn in United’s side when the teams met at Old Trafford.
Alejandro Garnacho could be a threat with his pace and trickery
Matheus Cunha has created 22 chances this season
SunSport prediction
Wolves’ home form speaks for itself and with plenty going on behind the scenes to distract United, they could come undone once again. 2-0 to Wolves.
When is Wolves vs Man Utd?

Wolves’ clash with United will take place on Thursday, February 1.
The game will be held at Molineux.
Wolves vs Man Utd will kick off at a later start time of 8.15pm GMT.

What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

Wolves vs Man Utd will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
You can live stream the action from the Discovery+ app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

Odds

Wolves – 7/4
Draw – 12/5
Man Utd – 7/5
BTTS – YES – 8/15

READ MORE SUN STORIES
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

JURGEN KLOPP’S Last Dance got off to a dream start at the weekend as Liverpool thrashed Norwich 5-2 in the FA Cup.But his side face a sterner taste when Chelsea visit on Wednesday in a prelude to the Carabao Cup final next month.
Jurgen Klopp’s Last Dance continues with the visit of ChelseaCredit: Alamy
Andy Robertson is set to feature for the first time in the league since OctoberCredit: Alamy
Mauricio Pochettino is aiming to win at AnfieldCredit: Getty
Liverpool lead the Premier League by five points and Chelsea are down in ninth, but their recent head-to-head record paints a different picture.
Each of the last seven meetings between the two sides has ended in a draw at the end of 90 minutes.
Four of those matches ended goalless, with Alex Disasi cancelling out Luis Diaz’s strike when these sides met at Stamford Bridge on the opening day of the season.
However Chelsea have won just once at Anfield in the Premier League since 2014, and the Reds are unbeaten at home in the league since losing to Leeds in October 2022.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Liverpool could also welcome back some familiar faces to the starting line-up for what should be a raucous atmosphere in Klopp’s first league game since announcing he will step down at the end of the season.
Recent form
Liverpool are unbeaten in ten games with wins over Arsenal, Newcastle and Fulham in that period.
They have lost just once in the league this season and are scoring goals for fun despite the absence of Mo Salah.
Liverpool have scored three or more goals in 12 home games this year, while Chelsea have struggled on the road in recent weeks.
Most read in Football
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
On their last visit to Merseyside in at the beginning of December they were comfortably beaten by Everton, with Middlesbrough and Wolves also winning home games against the Blues this year.
However they did win their last Prem away match at Luton and are on the back of two successive victories against Fulham and Middlesbrough.
Team news
Andy Robertson returned to action against Norwich – his first game since the beginning of October.
Trent Alexander-Arnold also featured following an injury lay-off and Alexis Mac Allister may be back in contention after sitting out the Norwich clash as a precaution.
Salah’s Egypt were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday but the winger picked up an injury at the tournament so is unavailable, while Wataru Endo is still away on international duty with Japan at the Asian Cup.
Meanwhile Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto are back in full training and should be fit enough to make the matchday squad.
Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka could also feature following recent injury lay-offs.
Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Welsey Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Robert Sanchez and Lesley Ugochukwu are all long-term absentees.
Ones to watch
Darwin Nunez has more than made up for Salah’s absence with three goals in his last three games.
The striker is always a handful for the opposition even when he is not finding the target, having created 22 chances in 20 games this season.
But Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has arguably been even better this campaign with nine goals in 18 Premier League games.
He eclipses Nunez with 28 chances created in fewer games and if Chelsea get anything from this match Palmer will likely be responsible.
Darwin Nunez has deputised well for Mo Salah
Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s biggest attacking threat this season
What have the managers said?
Klopp praised Chelsea’s football and revealed he expects them to move up the Premier League table in the next few weeks.
He said: “They play really good stuff, really good team. Nobody was ever in doubt about that. A team in form, I think. Won majority of games recently.
“We played them in first matchday, we weren’t great but they were pretty good. A point was alright. We have to do better but we are different now.
“They had a lot of injuries but now they have a core group together. They have the midfield they want together, the entire back-line other than Reece James. A really good team, even if you can’t see it in the table yet. I expect them to make big steps, but start after our game.”
While Mauricio Pochettino discussed Klopp and Chelsea’s lack of a prolific striker.
He said: “It’s a coach and person I am going to miss. I love to watch him on the touchline and the team he manages. I hope he will only be away a few months, maybe one year, and then will come back.
“I don’t know what the people are thinking but for us we want to win. I want to win.
“It’s true that in our performances, compared to those at the top, maybe we miss this type of player [striker] to make a difference. We need to build our victory in different ways because we want to be clinical and win games.”
SunSport prediction
Liverpool do not look like losing, particularly at home, and the returns of Robertson and Alexander-Arnold should inspire them to victory. 2-1.
When is Liverpool vs Chelsea?

Liverpool’s huge clash with Chelsea will take place on Wednesday, January 31.
The game will be held at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Chelsea will kick off at a later start time of 8.15pm GMT.

What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

Liverpool vs Chelsea will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
You can live stream the action from the Discovery+ app, which is available for download on to your mobile or tablet device.
Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

READ MORE SUN STORIES
Odds

Liverpool – 4/7
Draw – 13/4
Chelsea – 21/5

*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More