Wolves have learned their fixture list for the 2025/26 season – and it is Manchester City up first for Vitor Pereira’s side.
Fans are digesting the list that was released at 9am, and seemingly, Wolves have another tough start.
There is also a tough period in November and leading into Christmas and New Year.
Wolves have lost two key players already this summer in the form of Matheus Cunha – who will return to Molineux on December 6 – and Rayan Ait-Nouri, so it will be vital for Wolves to pick up a decent amount of points before reaching the end of 2025.
City in the first game is about as tough as it gets.
There is the notion that Pep Guardiola’s side will be like a wounded animal after their struggles in 2024/25, and Wolves will have to be very careful.
But there is one positive in that the game will be at Molineux – and that is big, and also quite a rarity for Wolves.
Wolves manager Vitor Pereira smiling.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
The fact Wolves are playing at home in the first game is good news – and it is also surprising.
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Remarkably, this will be the first time Wolves have actually played at home in their opening fixture since the club’s promotion back to the top-flight in 2018.
Unbelievably, Wolves have not had the luxury of playing at Molineux in the first game for the last six years.
When Wolves gained promotion, they played against Everton at home to kick-off their 2018/19 campaign, drawing that game 2-2.
Since then, it has been all away trips.
Here are the opening day fixtures Wolves have had since being back in the top-flight.
2018/19 – Everton (HOME)
2019/20 – Leicester City (AWAY)
2020/21 – Sheffield United (AWAY)
2021/22 – Leicester City (AWAY)
2022/23 – Leeds United (AWAY)
2023/24 – Manchester United (AWAY)
2024/25 – Arsenal (AWAY)
Wolves must embrace Man City challenge
Pep Guardiola during Manchester City vs Wolves.
Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images
So Wolves have been handed a rare chance to play at home for the first time in years.
Fans are obviously somewhat fearful given Manchester City are the opponents.
But Wolves should approach the game with a positive mindset.
Wolves’ last five PL games vs Man City
Man City 1-0 Wolves (May 2, 2025)
Wolves 1-2 Man City (Oct 20, 2024)
Man City 5-1 Wolves (May 4, 2024)
Wolves 2-1 Man City (Sept 30, 2023)
Man City 3-0 Wolves (Jan 22, 2023)
Pep Guardiola’s side showed vulnerability last season, and Wanderers actually put in a good performance at the Etihad Stadium recently, despite losing.
City are also currently at the Club World Cup. Potentially, they could reach the final of that tournament, which is on July 13.
If that happens, then they would not have much time to rest up before going into their pre-season. Potentially, Wolves may benefit from City’s lack of a real rest.