Wolves vs Manchester City: 2025/26 EPL season opener match preview, prediction
Wolves players defending a corner kick vs Man City players last season. Photo Credit- SkySports
The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off with a blockbuster clash at Molineux Stadium on Saturday, August 16, 2025, as Wolverhampton Wanderers host Manchester City at 17:30 BST. Pep Guardiola’s revamped City side, aiming to reclaim the Premier League title, face a Wolves team eager to build on last season’s late surge under Vitor Pereira. This preview explores both teams’ performances, tactics, team news, injuries, head-to-head statistics, and predicts the scoreline, drawing on the latest available data.
Wolves team form
Wolves enter the 2025/26 season with cautious optimism after a rollercoaster 2024/25 campaign. Finishing 16th with 40 points, they endured a torrid start (1 point from 8 games) before Vitor Pereira’s mid-season arrival sparked a revival, with 10 wins in 22 games, including a six-match winning streak. Their pre-season, however, was lackluster, with no wins in six friendlies (D2-L4), including a 1-0 home loss to Celta Vigo and a 3-1 defeat to RC Lens. Wolves scored 54 goals last season (joint-12th highest) but conceded 69, with a league-worst -10.3 xG differential, highlighting goalkeeper Jose Sá’s struggles (59.7% save percentage). The departures of top scorer Matheus Cunha to Manchester United and wing-back Rayan Aït-Nouri to City have left gaps, but new signings Jhon Arias and Fer Lopez aim to fill the creative void. Recent form (L-L-D-L-D) and fan concerns on social media about replacing Cunha’s output suggest Wolves face a tough battle against City.
Wolves tactics
Vitor Pereira’s preferred 3-4-2-1 emphasizes a compact mid-block, with wing-backs Ki-Jana Hoever and David Moller Wolfe providing width. Joao Gomes and Andre form a tenacious midfield duo, covering ground to support a back three of Matt Doherty, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Toti Gomes. Jhon Arias and Fer Lopez, operating as dual No. 10s, will look to feed Jorgen Strand Larsen. Wolves’ counter-attacking threat (8 goals on the break, fourth-most in 2024/25) and set-piece prowess (9 goals) are strengths, but their leaky defense and Sá’s low save percentage could be exposed by City’s relentless attack. Pereira’s call for “bravery in possession” suggests Wolves will aim to disrupt City’s rhythm while exploiting transitions.
Wolves team news and injuries
Wolves have a relatively clean bill of health but miss key players. Yerson Mosquera (knee) is available after pre-season appearances, but Enso Gonzalez (knee), Leon Chiwome (knee), and Fabio Silva (thigh) are ruled out. New signings Jhon Arias, Fer López, and David Moller Wolfe are set to debut, with Jørgen Strand Larsen leading the line. Nelson Semedo’s departure to Fenerbahce sees Ki-Jana Hoever slot in at right wing-back, while José Sá remains in goal despite criticism for his save percentage.
Wolves predicted lineups (3-4-2-1): Sá; Doherty, Agbadou, Toti; Hoever, Andre, J. Gomes, Wolfe; Arias, Lopez; Strand Larsen.
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Manchester City team form
Manchester City, coming off a trophyless 2024/25 season (third place, 74 points), are determined to reclaim their dominance after their lowest finish since 2016/17. Their streamlined pre-season featured a single 3-0 win over Palermo in the Anglo-Palermitan Trophy, with Erling Haaland and Tijjani Reijnders (two goals) shining. City’s summer overhaul saw Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Jack Grealish depart, but new signings Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Reijnders have injected fresh energy. Haaland’s 27 goals last season and 70% shot accuracy make him a constant threat, while City’s 88 goals (second-highest in 2024/25) underline their attacking prowess. Their recent form (W-W-D-W-L) and 31-game unbeaten Premier League run (ended last season) signal their readiness, though injuries pose challenges.
Manchester City tactics
Pep Guardiola’s 4-2-3-1 blends possession dominance (62% average last season) with clinical finishing. In Rodri’s absence, Tijjani Reijnders and İlkay Gundogan will control the midfield, with Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku stretching defenses from the wings. Erling Haaland, supported by Omar Marmoush’s versatility, remains the focal point, with 2.5 shots on target per game. Rayan Aït-Nouri’s attacking runs from left-back and Ruben Dias’s defensive solidity provide balance. City’s high press and 85% pass accuracy will aim to suffocate Wolves, though their lack of clean sheets in pre-season, offers hope for Wolves’ counters.
Man City team news and injuries
City face injury concerns. Rodri (groin/hip) is out until late August, and Mateo Kovačić (calf) is sidelined until October. Phil Foden (ankle) and Josko Gvardiol (ankle) are doubtful, while Claudio Echeverri (ankle) is ruled out. Rayan Aït-Nouri, facing his former club, and Tijjani Reijnders are expected to start, with Ederson preferred over James Trafford in goal. Bernardo Silva and İlkay Gundogan are fit, with Haaland captaining the side.
Man City predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Ederson; M. Nunes, Dias, Akanji, Aït-Nouri; Reijnders, Gundogan; Cherki, Bernardo, Doku; Haaland.
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Wolves vs Man City head-to-head statistics
Manchester City lead with 14 wins to Wolves’ 4 in 21 meetings, with 3 draws. City have won 9 of the last 10 league encounters, including 3-0 and 1-0 victories in 2024/25. Wolves’ sole win in this span was a 2-1 upset at Molineux in September 2023. At Molineux, City have won 6 of 11 Premier League visits (23 goals scored, 12 conceded), with Wolves winning 4. Last season’s 2-1 City win, sealed by John Stones’s 95th-minute header, was a dramatic highlight. City’s dominance is clear, with Wolves scoring just 3 goals in their last 5 meetings. Four of the last five games saw over 2.5 goals, reflecting City’s attacking output.
Wolves vs Man City scoreline prediction
Manchester City are heavy favorites with a 65% win probability, given their attacking depth and historical dominance. Wolves’ poor pre-season form and defensive frailties, make it tough to withstand City’s firepower, led by Haaland. However, Wolves’ counter-attacking threat, bolstered by Arias’s creativity and Strand Larsen’s aerial presence could exploit City’s injury-hit defense, especially if Foden and Gvardiol are absent. City’s short pre-season and Rodri’s absence may lead to early rustiness, but their 88% shot conversion rate last season suggests they’ll capitalize on chances.
The match is likely to see goals, with City’s attacking intent overwhelming Wolves’ shaky backline. A 3-1 City win is the most likely outcome, with Haaland and Cherki among the scorers and Strand Larsen potentially nabbing a consolation. A 2-1 City win is a probable alternative if Wolves capitalize on set-pieces.
