Man City Clash with Wolves: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups and What to Expect
A severely struggling Manchester City return to the Etihad Stadium this Saturday afternoon, following two humiliating losses in back-to-back matches.
Pep Guardiola's team looked abysmal in last weekend's Manchester derby and possibly even more disappointing in the freezing conditions on Tuesday evening. City fell to a 3–1 loss against Norwegian outfit Bodø/Glimt, after trailing 3–0 at the beginning of the second period.
Their recovery efforts were hindered by Rodri's red card after sixty minutes, and the away team were ultimately lucky that Bodø didn't secure victory by a larger scoreline.
They're clearly struggling and require a return to form this weekend. Wolverhampton Wanderers, however, are beginning to display signs of improvement under Rob Edwards.
A scoreless draw with Newcastle United means just three Premier League clubs currently have longer unbeaten streaks than Wolves (four matches), yet they remain at the bottom of the standings. Furthermore, Saturday's away team are still 14 points behind safety. Derby County's record-low 11-point total hasn't been surpassed either.
Here's Sports Illustrated's analysis of Saturday's Premier League encounter.
What Time Does Man City vs. Wolves Kick Off?
What Time Does Man City vs. Wolves Kick Off?
Man City vs. Wolves Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Man City vs. Wolves Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Man City | Wolves |
|---|---|
Bodø/Glimt 3–1 Man City - 20–01–26 | Wolves 0–0 Newcastle - 18–01–26 |
Man Utd 2–0 Man City - 17–01–26 | Wolves 6–1 Shrewsbury - 10–01–26 |
Newcastle 0–2 Man City - 13–01–26 | Everton 1–1 Wolves - 07–01–26 |
Man City 10–1 Exeter - 10–01–26 | Wolves 3–0 West Ham - 03–01–26 |
Man City 1–1 Brighton - 07–01–26 | Man Utd 1–1 Wolves - 30–12–25 |
How to Watch Man City vs. Wolves on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Man City vs. Wolves on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Not televised—audio coverage available via BBC Radio 5 Live & Man City Radio |
United States | Peacock |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 5 Canada |
Mexico | Max Mexico |
Man City Team News
Man City Team News
Man City have been defensively chaotic recently, but this isn't shocking considering their numerous absentees. Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and John Stones continue to be unavailable for the home side, though Guardiola can utilize Marc Guéhi following his transfer from Crystal Palace this week.
Guéhi was described as an "elite centre-back" by his new boss upon joining, and he'll go straight into the City squad on Saturday afternoon. Although he mainly featured on the left at Palace, the England defender could partner Nathan Aké for his first appearance.
Nico González was potentially available for the derby, but didn't make the trip to the Arctic this week. Guardiola has indicated it would be improbable for the midfielder to return this weekend.
Matheus Nunes is questionable due to sickness, while Savinho, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovačić remain injured.
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Wolves
Man City Predicted Lineup vs. Wolves
Man City predicted lineup vs. Wolves (4-1-4-1): Donnarumma; Khusanov, Guéhi, Aké, O'Reilly; Rodri; Semenyo, Reijnders, Cherki, Doku; Haaland.
Wolves Team News
Wolves Team News
The away team have significantly fewer fitness problems than City, and they didn't need to journey to the Arctic midweek.
Wolves are expected to be missing Toti Gomes once more due to a hamstring problem, and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is dealing with a comparable issue. The French midfielder is uncertain for the journey to Manchester.
Edwards included Jørgen Strand Larsen on the bench last weekend, but he should consider restoring him to the starting eleven on Saturday. The striker could team up with the equally physical Tolu Arokadare and attempt to physically dominate the fragile hosts.
Wolves Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
Wolves Predicted Lineup vs. Man City
Wolves predicted lineup vs. Man City (3-5-2): Sá; Mosquera, S. Bueno, Krejčí; Tchatchoua, André, Gomes, Mané, H. Bueno; Arokadare, Strand Larsen.
Man City vs. Wolves Score Prediction
Man City vs. Wolves Score Prediction
Guéhi's addition should help solidify City's backline, as should Nico in the middle—if he's considered ready to feature. They've been chaotic in recent matches, with both Manchester United and Bodø causing havoc.
Wolves lack the element of surprise that Michael Carrick's United possessed, nor will they bring freezing temperatures and synthetic turf to the Etihad this weekend. Nevertheless, there's potential for them to trouble the home team, who are likely to lack complete confidence.
Nevertheless, City absolutely must avoid dropping points here. It's a crucial victory requirement, and they will achieve it.