Manchester City kick off their 2025/2026 season campaign against Wolves at the Molineux Stadium.
Rayan Ait-Nouri will be reunited with Wolves and perhaps due to his time working under Vitor Pereira and his teammates, he could hand Pep Guardiola the necessary information to trounce them.
The last time both sides faced each other was in May, as Kevin De Bruyne’s early goal ended up being the difference between the two teams in a tightly-contested affair at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola is motivated ahead of next season and he will be keen to kickstart the campaign with a victory.
Erling Haaland criticised Jarred Gilett last season who will referee Wolves vs Man City clash
However, Erling Haaland could be discontent ahead of Manchester City’s upcoming clash against Wolves due to Jarred Gillett refereeing the game, as per the Premier League’s official website.
When City beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 last season, Haaland criticised referee Gillett for giving Tottenham a free-kick instead of allowing his goal as it seemed inconclusive to the naked eye that the ball had struck the star striker’s arm — a decision VAR agreed with.
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The 25-year-old felt the ball seemed to strike Kevin Danso’s arm more than his, as he bluntly said: “Yeah, it’s because he made a decision on the pitch. There was a free-kick, I don’t think it is. I think it’s clearly a big mistake, but we’re humans, we do mistakes.”
Haaland added: “I think it was a great goal and I don’t think it’s a handball at all. For me, I think it’s more of a handball than the defender but what can we do? We won, I’m happy.”
Erling Haaland in action for Manchester City
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
In the past, the three-time Premier League winner has had his complaints about referees as well, with Haaland berating Simon Hooper after he failed to give Tottenham an advantage in the dying embers of the contest — blowing his whistle for a foul after Jack Grealish was clean through on goal — with the game tied at 3-3.
However, at the end of the day, when Manchester City play their best football, they tend to beat most teams and the former Borussia Dortmund goalscorer would be hoping to let his feet do the talking.
Jarred Gillett’s record vs Man City
However, there is no denying that referees can have a huge say on the outcome of games.
Pep Guardiola would not like City’s Premier League opener to be dominated by headlines regarding refereeing decisions.
The good news for Haaland and Manchester City ahead of their clash against Wolves is that Jarred Gillett has a record while officiating their games.
JARRED GILLETT’S RECORD DURING MAN CITY GAMES
MATCHES 10
WINS 8
LOSSES 0
DRAWS 2
YELLOW CARDS 13
SECOND YELLOW CARDS 0
RED CARDS 0
PENALTY KICKS FOR 2
The Australian is somewhat of a good omen for the Sky Blues, with them having won eight and drawn two out of 10 games with him in charge.
With Jarred Gillett yet to send any Manchester City player off as well, Haaland will be hoping that Saturday’s outing is not clouded by any controversy surrounding his decisions.