Wolves kick off the Premier League season hosting Man City in what’s sure to be a telling challenge for Vitor Pereira’s side.
Arsenal beat Wolves in last season’s opener, and again, it’s a top team in front of them as they look to start the season strongly.
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Man City have a brilliant record on opening day, having won all but one in the last 14 curtain raisers. Erling Haaland, in particular, relishes this time of year.
But Wolves have to enter the game thinking they can get a result, fielding the strongest lineup possible.
Vitor Pereira has some big decisions to make, and this is the XI Molineux News predicts he will choose to face Man City.
Rodrigo Gomes and David Moller Wolfe get the nod at wing-backs for Wolves
Wolves continue to search for a right wing-back, but for the time being, it’s a toss-up between Ki-Jana Hoever and Rodrigo Gomes.
Hoever has been up and down in pre-season, but has started most games. However, recent poor performances from the Dutchman suggest he may not be ready for a starting berth.
Ki-Jana Hoever of Wolverhampton Wanderers is challenged by Ilaix Moriba of Celta Vigo during the pre-season friendly match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Celta Vigo at Molineux on August 09, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England.
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Although he hasn’t been given the same chances, Gomes should start at wing-back and prove he can be a player of importance for Pereira this season.
The three in the middle of defence should be unchanged from pre-season, with Yerson Mosquera just coming back from injury. On the left flank, new signing David Moller Wolfe should get his competitive debut.
Wolves’ midfield of Andre and Joao Gomes is a no-brainer for Vitor Pereira
The one area of the pitch with little need for debate is the midfield. Andre and Joao Gomes have made those positions their own.
While much of the focus in the transfer window is on a right-back and an attacker, Wolves have no real contingency for one of those two missing time.
Despite a solid pre-season from Jean Ricner Bellegarde, the pair are too integral to Wolves, especially defensively, for any other choice to make sense.
They will be facing a reinforced City midfield where physicality will be key to finding success.
We should see two Wolves debuts against Man City in Jhon Arias and Fer Lopez
The weekend is not too exciting a prospect for Wolves fans, who are bracing themselves for a City onslaught. But there will be some buzz over the two attacking signings on their competitive debuts.
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Jhon Arias warming up for Wolves.
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Jhon Arias is a nailed on starter, as an experienced presence in a youthful attack, and he can hopefully enjoy similar success to his first appearance in a Wolves shirt.
Jorgen Strand Larsen is the obvious striker choice, and on his right will be either Marshall Munetsi or Fer Lopez.
While Lopez will be jumping at the chance to start this match, we think Pereira will opt to play Munetsi for an increased physical presence in the first line of defence. But if the Zimbabwe international starts, Lopez will surely get his debut from the bench.
Predicted XI vs Man City: Sa; R.Gomes, Doherty, Agbadou, Toti, Wolfe; Andre, J.Gomes; Munetsi, Strand Larsen, Arias.