Prediction: Both teams to score and Manchester City to Win
Odds: 19/10
Bookmaker: 888Sport
Manchester City will look to once again cut the gap to league leaders Liverpool to five pointa as they face Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Both sides were in European action in mid-week and will be aiming to continue their positive respective forms in their domestic campaigns.
Manchester City
Despite the gap between Liverpool and Pep Guardiola’s troops at this early stage in the season, the Citizens are still playing some sumptuous football. So far this season, they have only lost one game in all competitions, that being the 3-2 reverse at the hands of Norwich City in mid-September. Since then, the reigning champions have bounced back in emphatic style having won their last five games in all competitions including the 2-0 success against Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Champions League last time out. In the five games since their defeat at Carrow Road, they have netted an eye-watering 19 goals with the majority of them coming in their last home Premier League game where they defeated Watford 8-0. Their home form is certainly something that Wolves will have to be wary of. The Sky Blues have not lost in the league at the Etihad Stadium since a shock 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace back in December 2018.
Team News
Kevin De Bruyne has been handed another injury blow ahead of the match and looks set to be ruled out with a pelvis injury. The Belgian is hopeful of returning after the international break. He joins long-term absentees John Stones, Leroy Sane and Aymeric Laporte on the sidelines.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Nuno Espirito Santo’s troops finally seem to have moved on from their tricky start to the campaign. Following five winless league matches at the beginning of the season, the Midlands outfit have now won their last three matches in all competitions. They managed to get their much-needed first Premier League win of the season against rock-bottom Watford, whilst also progressing to round four of the Carabao Cup. Following that up with a 1-0 success against Beskitas in the UEFA Europa League, Nuno’s men now look in great health. As a matter of fact, they head to the Etihad with the chance to secure their third consecutive clean sheet in all competitions, something they have not managed to do since October last year. One aspect that does count against them though is their away form in the Premier League. Wolves have not got a win in any of their last four league games away from Molineux and have only won two out of their last 12. It will be a tough ask then for them to get anything in Manchester.
Team News
As supporters have become accustomed to this season, Nuno could make a few changes to the team that beat Besiktas. Leander Dendoncker and Adama Traore were named on the bench in Turkey so could be reintroduced. However, Diogo Jota will not be in action having been ruled out until at least mid-October.
Key Facts To Consider
- The two teams have a relatively even all-time head-to-head record, with Manchester City marginally ahead (W48, D25, L47)
- The Citizens won the last clash between the two 3-0 in January
- Wolves have not beat Manchester City away from home since 2009
- Manchester City have already scored the most goals in the Premier League this season with 27
- There has not been a 0-0 in the league between the two teams since 1974
Conclusion
Despite getting back to form in recent weeks, this match will really be a challenge for Wolves as they travel to the Etihad Stadium. City are almost impenetrable on home soil, whilst Nuno’s men have somewhat struggled for form on the road. The visitors should cause problems but the points should go to Guardiola’s troops.
Prediction: Both teams to score and Manchester City to Win
Odds: 19/10
Bookmaker: 888Sport
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