Wolves vs Manchester City Preview
- City to win
- Both teams to score
Wolves begin the new Premier League season with a daunting home fixture against ten-time champions Manchester City. Both clubs arrive with very different expectations — one aiming to consolidate top-flight status, the other determined to reclaim the crown.
Match News and Current Form
Wolves endured a winless pre-season under Vítor Pereira, hardly the ideal preparation for a side keen to shake off their long-standing “August curse.” Since returning to the Premier League in 2018, they have managed just one win in 20 August league matches (D9, L10). Pereira’s own position remains somewhat uncertain despite a solid return last season, and the pressure to start strongly will be significant.
City, meanwhile, have raided Wolves for left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri in a £31m deal as part of their squad overhaul following a rare trophyless campaign. They finished a distant third in the league, lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace, and suffered a surprise Club World Cup exit to Al-Hilal. While their away record last season was patchy (W8, D5, L6), seven of those victories came against bottom-half clubs, offering confidence ahead of this trip to Molineux.
Head-to-Head History
City have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning nine of the last ten Premier League meetings. Wolves’ only success in that run came at home in September 2023, when they secured a 2-1 victory. The most recent clash saw City edge a 1-0 win at the Etihad in May.
Hot Stats and Streaks
- Wolves lost eight of their 11 home league matches as outsiders last season.
- Two-thirds of Wolves’ league fixtures last term produced over 2.5 total goals, second only to Brighton.
- Six of City’s eight away wins last season came by a margin of two or more goals.
- City conceded first in just seven away games last season, losing five of those.
Key Players to Watch
Jørgen Strand Larsen played a crucial role in Wolves’ survival last term, scoring in five of their six straight victories between March and April. His finishing will be vital if Wolves are to trouble the champions.
New City recruit Tijjani Reijnders arrives with an impressive record of influencing results, having been on the winning side in ten of the 13 competitive matches he scored in for AC Milan last season.
Team News
Wolves report no major injury concerns ahead of the opener. City, however, could be without several important players, with Rodri, Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol, and Mateo Kovacic all missing their final pre-season outing due to injury.
Tactical Outlook
Wolves are likely to approach this match with a compact defensive setup, hoping to break quickly when City’s full-backs push high. For Guardiola’s side, the focus will be on dominating possession, sustaining pressure, and breaking Wolves’ lines early to dictate the tempo.
Betting Analysis
Given City’s defensive depth and Wolves’ struggles against top opposition, a win for the visitors without conceding looks an appealing option. With City’s habit of fast starts against lower-ranked sides, an early breakthrough could be on the cards.
Prediction: Wolves 1-3 Manchester City
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