Wolverhampton Wanderers have improved significantly in recent games. They were stuck on two points for much of the season but a win and three draws in their last four games mean that they now have 8 points.
Relegation from the Premier League still looks very likely to happen but the mood around the club has lifted as **Rob Edwards**has delivered improved performances.
Last week, they drew 0-0 with Newcastle United and that is another positive point for the side at the bottom of the table. There was a more positive feeling going into the game due to recent results, but Wolves knew that Newcastle would have the potential to cause them problems.
It may have been expected that Wolves' upturn in results would come to an end against Eddie Howe's side but that was not the case. They put in a good showing, had chances to score and looked defensively relatively solid. Whilst not necessarily the most memorable game and if Wolves are to mount a serious and dramatic comeback they need three points and not just one. However, at face value, a draw against a strong Newcastle side is a successful result.
Manchester City this week will be another huge test of character and quality for Edwards' side but there may be a sense of quiet optimism as they head into the game.
When, Wolves played **Pep Guardiola's**side at the start of the season on the opening day it ended in a 4-0 defeat at Molineux. If possible, they will want to show an improvement this time around but it will be a challenge.
A good time to play City?
If there is ever a good time to play Manchester City then this weekend may be that. In midweek they lost 3-1 away Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League and showcased a disappointing performance.
They are also without a win in their last four league matches, with a defeat last time out in the Manchester derby and three draws before that. Erling Haaland has also been quiet lately.
It could be argued that City are a side with something to prove and will be hungry for goals, but they have really lost ground in the title race in recent weeks. This may give Wolves some confidence and if they can keep the score at 0-0 for a while, or even grab an early goal, then there may be a belief that they can frustrate the home side.
Positives from the Newcastle game:
Much has been said about the emergence of Mateus Mane in recent games and, although he had a quieter game against Newcastle, he still looked a bright spark.
It was the midfield pairing of Brazilians **Andre**and Joao Gomes who impressed the most. They were always fighting to win the ball back and providing some excellent long range passes to switch the play and open up potential attacks.
The midfield battle will be key again at the Etihad and Wolves will hope that these two players can help their side compete again.
A clean sheet was also a huge positive and, other than the West Ham win, was not something that was happening for Wolves so keeping out an attack with the quality and physicality of the Magpies was a success. The City attack is a level up and has pace, physicality and trickery so will be a tougher challenge but they may take confidence from this shutout.
Yerson Mosquera was a player at the heart of the defence who looked confident on the ball and made some key blocks.
If Wolves come away with anything from the Etihad then it may make some people sit up and really take notice of their improvement in form and any unlikely talk of survival.
One game at a time:
Wolves will be taking it one game at a time and, whilst they will hope to achieve the unlikeliest of great escapes, they will know it is still an uphill battle.
They have made the table look far more respectable. All of the bottom five teams picked up points last weekend so it was not helpful for them but they can only focus on their own games.
The positive will be that they are now only one win away from equalling Derby County's record of 11 points for the lowest ever total in a 38 game Premier League season. This was something that looked unlikely that Wolves would beat at one point as they had only acquired two points at the half way mark in the season.
Whilst unlikely, they could claim that win this weekend and equal the record in mid January which would inevitably put them in a great position to surpass the tally.
Even if they do not pass the 11 point mark this weekend, it is certainly something that now looks realistic.
They will want to avoid a confidence shattering heavy defeat at the Etihad but that may look unlikely at the moment.
Regardless of the result, a positive, spirited performance would mean that the upbeat feeling remains and there will be a hope that they can pick up more results between now and the end of the season.