Wolves vs Manchester City Preview – Wolves open their 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a daunting home fixture against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Vítor Pereira’s side have bolstered their squad over the summer, whilst also losing key players like Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait Nouri, but they face a City team still stacked with quality despite a few injury concerns.
While Wolves will look to start positively at Molineux, Pep Guardiola’s side arrive with the expectation of controlling the match and setting the tone for another title push after a disappointing season last year.
Current Form
Wolves endured a tough pre-season, playing six friendlies without registering a win. They drew 1-1 with Burnley and 1-1 with Stoke, but suffered defeats to Santa Clara (1-2), Werder Bremen (1-3), and a narrow 0-1 home loss to Celta Vigo in their final outing. While there were flashes of attacking intent, defensive frailties and a lack of cohesion were evident following significant summer changes to the squad. The integration of new signings such as Fer López is still a work in progress.
Manchester City’s build-up to the season was far more streamlined. Their sole pre-season friendly saw them travel to Sicily, where they defeated Palermo 3-0 in the Anglo-Palermitan Trophy. That was largely due to playing in the Club World Cup. It is unknown how such a limited pre-season and extended last season will impact them. Erling Haaland opened the scoring before new signing Tijjani Reijnders netted twice in an assured display. City’s sharpness, control in possession, and depth in attacking options suggested they are ready to begin their title defence strongly despite a few injury absences.
Head-to-Head Record
Manchester City have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning eight of the last nine Premier League meetings. Wolves’ last league victory over City came in October 2019, a 2-0 win at the Etihad.
Last five meetings in all competitions:
Jan 2025 – Man City 3-0 Wolves (Premier League)
Sep 2024 – Wolves 1-4 Man City (Premier League)
Apr 2024 – Man City 3-0 Wolves (Premier League)
Sep 2023 – Wolves 2-1 Man City (Premier League)
Jan 2023 – Man City 3-0 Wolves (Premier League)
Injury News & Suspensions
Wolves
Yerson Mosquera – Back from ACL injury, featured in final two pre-season games.
Fer López – Could start after summer move.
No major new injury concerns.
Manchester City
Phil Foden – Doubtful (ankle injury, missed trip to Palermo).
Bernardo Silva – Could start on the right.
Rodri – Setback, expected to miss first month of the season.
Mateo Kovacic – Out for two months (Achilles).
Rayan Aït-Nouri – In line for debut against former club.
Injury Summary Table
Team Player Status Notes
Wolves Yerson Mosquera Available Returned from ACL injury
Fer López Available Summer signing, possible starter
Man City Phil Foden Doubtful Ankle injury
Bernardo Silva Available Likely to feature on the right
Rodri Out First month of season
Mateo Kovacic Out Achilles injury, ~2 months
Rayan Aït-Nouri Available Set for debut
Manager Quotes
Vitor Pereira has spoken about the need for Wolves to be “brave in possession” and compact without the ball against top-six opposition. Pep Guardiola praised Wolves’ progress under Pereira but will emphasise the need for City to impose their style of football from the first whistle.
Predicted Lineups
Wolves (3-4-2-1)
Sa; Toti, Agbadou, Gomes; Hoever, André, Wolfe, Doherty; Arias, López; Strand Larsen
Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Aït-Nouri; González, Reijnders; Cherki, Foden , Marmoush; Haaland
Tactical Preview & Key Battles
Wolves will likely sit in a compact mid-block, using the energy of André and Arias in midfield to disrupt City’s passing lanes. The creativity of Fer López and Matt Doherty in advanced areas could be key in providing service to striker Jørgen Larsen. Mosquera’s return adds much-needed depth in central defence.
Manchester City will look to dominate possession, with Reijnders and González tasked with controlling midfield in Rodri’s absence. Haaland remains the central threat, supported by wide players who can stretch Wolves’ back three. Bernardo Silva’s inclusion, if Foden is not fit, would add control and passing precision in the final third.
Key Battles
Larsen vs Dias/Gvardiol – Wolves’ striker faces one of the Premier League’s best defensive pairings.
André & Arias vs Reijnders & González – Midfield energy vs City’s technical control.
López vs Aït-Nouri – Young forward against his former club’s new full-back.
Haaland vs Wolves’ back line – City’s talisman will test Wolves’ defensive shape all afternoon.
Predicted Scoreline
Wolves 0-3 Manchester City
City’s attacking depth and control in possession should prove too much for Wolves, even without Rodri.
Possible scorers: Haaland x2, Marmoush
Where to Watch
UK: Sky Sports Premier League
USA: NBC Sports, Peacock
About The Author
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Paddy Keogh
I’m Paddy, you may know me from OddsOnFPL or as the Admin of this website.