Prediction: Wolves vs Manchester City

Verdict: Manchester City win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways on Saturday afternoon, Manchester City will travel to Wolves this weekend.

Wolves

Starting with the hosts, crashing out of the EFL Cup earlier in the week following a remarkable collapse at Portman Road, Wolves find themselves in the midst of an extended struggle. Eventually slumping to a 3-2 loss at the hands of Championship high-flyers Ipswich, Gary O’Neil’s side are already seeking a crucial boost. Last seen in Premier League action having to settle for a downbeat 1-1 draw away at Luton, the former Bournemouth boss appears to have a real job on his hands. Still dealing with some public issues behind the scenes at Mollineaux, Wolves have managed to muster just a single Premier League victory since opening the new campaign. Firmly at the heart of a relegation scrap for large spells of last season, O’Neil’s squad will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge when they return to the Midlands on Saturday afternoon.

Team News

Shown a straight red card against Luton last weekend, Wolves will once again be without the suspended Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. However, aside from the 25-year-old, O’Neil’s side have reported a clean bill of health ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

Crashing out of the EFL Cup away at Ipswich in midweek, O’Neil is expected to make a string of changes here. Handed a full rest at Portman Road, the likes of Jose Sa, Nelson Semedo, Max Kilman and Mario Lemina will be handed a full recall at Mollineaux.

Manchester City

As for the visitors, also watching their own EFL Cup adventure come to an abrupt end following a 1-0 loss away at Newcastle, Manchester City will be seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, while Pep Guardiola’s squad might have put in a toothless performance away at St. James’ Park in midweek, the former Barcelona boss has seen his side come flying out of the traps since opening up the 2023/24 campaign. Putting in another routine display at the Etihad last weekend as they claimed a 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, the Sky Blues have their sights firmly set on making more history this season. Winning each of their opening six Premier League appearances and the only top-flight club that can boast a 100% start, City will be confident of laying down another marker here. Claiming a 3-0 win when they last met Saturday’s hosts back on January 22nd, the Sky Blues will be looking for a repeat performance this weekend.

Team News

Handed a full rest away at St. James’ Park earlier in the week, attacking talisman Erling Haaland will make a full return on Saturday afternoon. On a similar note, the likes of Emerson, Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker will all return to Guardiola’s starting XI here.

However, all missing out in midweek, Manchester City will travel to the Midlands without Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones and the suspended Rodri. England international Kalvin Phillips will be hoping to keep his spot at the heart of Guardiola’s midfield.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Wolves and Manchester City last met back on January 22nd, the Sky Blues picked up a routine 3-0 win at the Etihad.
• In fact, the reigning Premier League champions have won each of their previous six straight appearances against Saturday’s hosts.
• Man City have won each of their opening six Premier League appearances so far this season and are the only top-flight club that can boast a 100% start to proceedings.
• Continuing on from last season, Wolves have claimed just a single victory from any of their last nine Premier League showdowns.
• Guardiola’s side have notched 11 strikes in just their previous three meetings against Wolves.

Conclusion

Watching their EFL Cup adventure come to an abrupt end at St. James’ Park earlier in the week, Manchester City will be seeking an immediate response here. Winning each of their opening six Premier League appearances and the only top-flight club that can boast a 100% start to proceedings, the defending champions should be smelling a golden chance on Saturday afternoon. Landing a routine 3-0 win when they last met Wolves back on January 22nd, the Sky Blues have won each of their last six straight showdowns against Wolves.

Verdict: Manchester City win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Luckster