Prediction: Manchester City vs Wolves

Verdict: Manchester City win to nil

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to take another step towards this season’s Premier League crown, Manchester City will welcome Wolves to the Etihad on Saturday evening.

Manchester City

Starting with the hosts, while Manchester City might have relinquished their maiden Champions League crown last month, the Sky Blues are sat in the driving seat to make more history this season. Looking to get their hands on a fourth consecutive Premier League crown this month, Pep Guardiola’s side have continued on a real domestic romp. Not suffering a single Premier League defeat since the start of December, the former Barcelona boss has also seen his squad enjoy a real free-scoring flurry in the final third. Last seen picking up a 2-0 victory away at relegation scrappers Nottingham Forest, City have won all of their previous six showdowns against top-flight opposition. Likewise, punching their FA Cup final ticket on April 20th as they secured a 1-0 win against Chelsea at Wembley, Guardiola’s men will be looking to make another statement when they return to the Etihad here.

Team News

While both Ruben Dias and England International Phil Foden might have missed out away at Nottingham Forest last week, the duo are expected to make a full return to Manchester City’s squad here. Coming off the bench away at the City Ground and notching a 21st Premier League goal of the season, attacking talisman Erling Haaland should return to Guardiola’s starting XI this weekend.

Pictured leaving Nottingham Forest with his arm in a sling, Brazilian shot-stopper Ederson is not expected to feature on Saturday evening. Linked with a potential move away from the Etihad this summer, 31-year-old Stefan Ortega will replace Ederson between the sticks here.

Wolves

As for the visitors, managing to make a crucial return to winning ways last week as they secured a 2-1 victory at home against leading relegation scrappers Luton, Wolves will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, while Gary O’Neil’s squad might have received plenty of plaudits since they former Bournemouth boss arrived at Molineux last summer, they are seeking some recent stability. Suffering an infamous FA Cup collapse against Championship outfit Coventry on March 16th as they eventually fell to a 3-2 loss on home soil, Saturday’s guests have collected just a single win from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Dropping out the top-half of the Premier League table and with their European ambitions down in tatters, O’Neil’s side certainly couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge when they travel to the defending champions this weekend.

Team News

While Wolves might be hopeful that attacking talisman Pedro Neto will be able to play some part before the season comes to an end, the Portugal international is not expected to be risked on Saturday evening. However, the likes of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and ex-West Ham defender Craig Dawson remain on the sidelines with respective injury issues.

Receiving plenty of plaudits this season and notching 11 Premier League goals, one-time Atletico Madrid star Matheus Cunha will spearhead O’Neil’s charge here. Finding the net against Luton last week, South Korea international Hee-Chan Hwang will partner Cunha in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester City and Wolves met for their reverse Premier League showdown on September 30th, Saturday’s guests collected a famous 2-1 victory at Molineux.
• However, Wolves have lost all of their other six appearances against the Sky Blues across all competitions.
• Manchester City have not suffered a single domestic defeat across any competition since the start of December.
• Wolves have collected just a single victory from any of their previous eight appearances across all formats.
• Man City have won all of their last six showdowns against Premier League opposition by an aggregate score of 20-4.

Conclusion

While Wolves might have claimed a famous 2-1 victory when they welcomed City to Molineux for their reverse Premier League battle on September 30th, O’Neil’s men are rightfully pencilled in as a landslide underdog here. With the Sky Blues not suffering a single domestic defeat since opening the New Year, Saturday’s hosts will be looking to make another statement of intent here. Winning all of their previous six showdowns against Premier League opposition by an aggregate score of 20-4, it is extremely hard to see anything other than a home victory for the defending champions this weekend.

Verdict: Manchester City win to nil

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster