Wolves vs Manchester City Preview
- City to win
- Haaland to score
Wolves’ Early Season Struggles
Wolves are enduring a torrid start to the 2024/25 Premier League season, with just one point from their opening seven games (D1, L6).
Gary O’Neil’s side has been under intense pressure, and the international break provided little respite following a 5-3 loss to Brentford, which O’Neil himself described as the “worst game” he’s been involved with as a coach.
Failure to secure a win in this fixture would mark Wolves’ longest wait for a first league victory in any season since the 1980s, an alarming prospect given the opponents they faced.
Despite scoring in each of their home games this season, Wolves have lost all three, and now risk setting a new unwanted record by losing four straight home league matches to start a campaign for the first time in their history.
Manchester City’s Unstoppable Form
Manchester City arrive at Molineux in formidable form, having gone unbeaten in 30 consecutive Premier League games (W24, D6).
That run matches their longest ever unbeaten streak in the league, and they’ll be confident of extending it against a Wolves side that has struggled defensively all season.
City have won seven of the last eight head-to-head encounters (H2H) against Wolves, and manager Pep Guardiola’s firm dismissal of any rumours regarding his departure only strengthens their position as they aim for another victory.
City’s away form is just as impressive, with 14 of their 30-game unbeaten run coming on the road (W12, D2). Their recent away wins have been dominant, with all seven victories in their current sequence being secured by multi-goal margins, five of which included clean sheets.
Prior to a surprise 2-1 defeat at Molineux last season, City had scored 11 goals across their previous three visits to Wolves, making another commanding display a distinct possibility.
Key Players to Watch
Matheus Cunha (Wolves)
Despite Wolves’ poor form, Cunha has been a bright spot, even if his last four scoring appearances ended in defeat. He also provided the assist for the winning goal in this fixture last season, and his creativity will be essential if Wolves are to pose a threat to City.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland has terrorised Wolves in recent meetings, scoring eight goals across four Premier League games against them, making Wolves his favourite opponent in the league.
The Norwegian striker has scored against every side he’s faced in the Premier League, and given his current form, it’s hard to see Wolves keeping him quiet.
Conclusion
Wolves are in desperate need of points, but facing a Manchester City side in such dominant form, the odds are stacked against them.
City’s firepower, combined with Wolves’ defensive frailties, suggests that another commanding win for the reigning champions is on the cards.
While Wolves will hope for a repeat of last season’s surprise victory at Molineux, it’s hard to see them containing a City side that’s clicking on all fronts.
Prediction: Manchester City to win comfortably, with Erling Haaland continuing his excellent record against Wolves.
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