This Sunday, Wolverhampton Wanderers face a tough challenge as they host Premier League champions Manchester City. A win for City could send them temporarily to the top of the table, while Wolves, struggling at the bottom, aim to end a miserable run.
Man City: Dominant but Tested
Manchester City comes into the game unbeaten across all competitions, having edged past Fulham 3-2 before the international break. Pep Guardiola’s side had to work hard to overturn an early Fulham lead, with goals from Mateo Kovacic and Jeremy Doku eventually securing the victory. Despite their defensive lapses, City have shown resilience, picking up a division-best 10 points from losing positions this season.
Off the pitch, City have had a hectic few weeks. Speculation over Guardiola’s future, the departure of sporting director Txiki Begiristain, and the club’s ongoing legal tussles have dominated headlines. However, with a chance to break their club record for consecutive unbeaten Premier League games (31), City will be fully motivated on Sunday.
Wolves: A Season of Struggle
Wolves are enduring a nightmare season. Sitting bottom of the table, they have lost their last five matches in all competitions and are on a 10-game winless streak in the league. While they managed to score three goals in their last match against Brentford, they still lost 5-3, highlighting their major defensive vulnerabilities. The Molineux side has conceded 15 goals in their last five matches.
Despite their struggles, Wolves can take some solace in their attacking form, having scored in their last eight matches. However, defensively they are frail, and the visit of City poses a daunting task. Manager Gary O’Neil did mastermind an upset last season when Wolves beat City 2-1, but repeating that feat seems unlikely given their current form.
Team News
Man City: Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake are unlikely to be fit for this clash, while Rodri remains a long-term absentee. Despite these injuries, Erling Haaland, fresh off becoming Norway’s all-time top scorer, will lead the City attack, with support from the likes of Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Jeremy Doku.
Wolves: Hwang Hee-chan picked up an ankle injury during the international break, adding to an already extensive injury list, including Yerson Mosquera and Boubacar Traore. Despite the injury setbacks, Jorgen Strand Larsen and Matheus Cunha will lead the line for the hosts.
Predictions
City are overwhelming favorites and, despite some defensive lapses, they should have too much firepower for Wolves. Expect a comfortable win for the champions, as Wolves’ defensive woes continue.
Possible Lineups:
Wolves:
Johnstone; Semedo, Bueno, Toti, Ait-Nouri; Bellegarde, Lemina, Andre, Gomes; Cunha, Larsen
Man City:
Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan; Silva, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Prediction: Wolves 1-4 Manchester City.
