Best Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker:
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
