The Molineux Stadium will play host as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City face Wolves in their Premier League opener. A rare and interesting trophyless season under Pep last season will likely see City eager to get off to the best start here.
Wolves finished their season well under manager Vitor Pereira; they have begun to play with a degree of confidence and will surely look to pick up where they left off in front of their home crowd.
It’s no surprise that UK football betting sites will install City as overwhelming favorites to bag all three points, but at this early stage in the campaign, where teams are not quite match fit, is an upset really unthinkable? Dive into our preview and find out what we think.
Recent Form and Early Indicators
Manchester City
City would have been disappointed with their showing last season, finishing in third place with nothing to show for it. By their more recent lofty standards, this would have been seen to be a terrible result.
Nevertheless, the talent and ability evident in this team is without doubt and given that they have added to their squad, they will be confident of leaving Molineux with three points. Guardiola’s men have an incredible record against Wolves, winning four of their last five encounters. It would take a brave man to bet against them here.
Wolves
The Pack quickly moved from a relegation threatened team to a mid-table consideration under the auspices of Pereira. Their structured approach and consistency in front of their home fans resulted in valuable points on board and Premier League security.
While there is no secret, they will be up against it here. The degree of resilience and defensive discipline applicable to this side should not be underestimated with extreme caution.
Tactical Insight: Guardiola’s Reset vs Pereira’s Stability
City have become known for their ability to balance patience with quick ball movement and clinical penetration. Erling Haaland will always be a threat up front and given the quality in the middle of the park, expect the usual metronomic control.
For Wolves, we expect them to once again adopt a 4-4-2 shape at home. They will no doubt look to disrupt the fluidity of this City side and launch counter attacking phases into the space left behind. Their talisman up front, Matheus Cunha, left for a summer move to Manchester United – but expect Wolves to maintain their vertical speed, nonetheless.
Key Player Duels to Watch
Haaland will always be one to keep an eye on for City. Whilst his efforts might be matched by Craig Dawson on the other side, the Norwegian will be licking his lips at the prospect of a visit to Wolves. Scoring on eight occasions in his last five visits, City will be hopeful of another big showing here.
Phil Foden is another whose role is likely to become a little more central. His creativity will be the big talking point, but Gomes is likely to track him and advance Wolves up the field. This will likely be a battle between the lines and one we could enjoy watching unfold.
Betting Insights for Matchday One
The sheer dominance of City against Wolves in recent weeks makes them a clear and obvious pick here. UK betting sites have priced them up as early favorites and you can certainly understand why.
Over 2.5 Goals looks to be a promising point of attack, especially when you consider the players City has in the final third. Backing Erling Haaland as the First Goal Scorer is another betting angle worth considering.
Outcome Prediction
There are no walkovers in the Premier League, and this will be no different. City have enough quality to start the season off on the right note, but the defensive solidity of the hosts should remain in recent memory.
Nevertheless, we back the visitors to get off to a flyer and after chipping away at the defensive system of the hosts, end up claiming all three points on offer.
Predicted Result: Wolves 1-3 Manchester City
