The Matchday 1 Premier League clash between Wolverhampton and Manchester City will take place on August 16 at Molineux Stadium. Wolverhampton vs. Manchester City: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Wolverhampton
Vitor Pereira's squad finished last season in 16th place, marking their worst performance since returning to the Premier League in the 2018/19 season. The team's defensive struggles were evident, conceding 69 goals, a figure only surpassed by the bottom three clubs. Wolverhampton ended last season with a four-match winless streak, suffering three defeats and one draw. Over the summer, the club played four friendly matches, failing to secure a win (1 draw and 3 losses).
During the transfer window, the club acquired forwards Jorgen Larsen, John Arias, and Fer Lopez, as well as defender David Meller Wolfe. Departing the team were forwards Matheus Cunha and Goncalo Guedes, along with defender Rayan Ait-Nouri.
- A maximum of 3 goals were scored in 5 of the club's last 6 Premier League games.
- In their last 6 home Premier League matches, Wolverhampton suffered only one defeat (3 wins and 2 draws).
- The team did not lose in the second half in 9 of their last 11 league matches (4 wins and 5 draws).
Predicted lineup for Wolverhampton (4-3-3)
Jose Sa – Rodrigo Gomes, Tote Gomes, Emmanuel Agbadou, David Meller Wolfe – Joao Gomes, Andre, Ki-Jana Hoever – John Arias, Enzo Gonzalez, Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Manchester City
The Citizens had a disappointing first half of the last season, but rallied in the second half, finishing third thanks to a 10-match unbeaten run (7 wins and 3 draws). This was their lowest league finish since the 2016/17 season when Pep Guardiola first took charge. Nevertheless, the team was the second-highest scoring side in the Premier League, netting 72 goals. After the Premier League, the Citizens participated in the Club World Cup 2025, reaching the round of 16. They also played a friendly match, defeating Palermo 3-0.
Over the summer, midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Maximo Perrone, defenders Vitor Reis and Yan Couto, and forward Jack Grealish left the team. New additions include defender Rayan Ait-Nouri, goalkeeper James Trafford, midfielders Tijjani Reijnders and Sverre Nypan, and forward Rayan Cherki.
- At least one team failed to score in 10 of the Citizens' last 14 Premier League games.
- Manchester City did not score more than 2 goals in 11 of their last 13 league matches.
- The Citizens kept clean sheets in their last 4 away Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Manchester City (4-3-3)
Ederson – Rico Lewis, Abdukhodir Khusanov, John Stones, Rayan Ait-Nouri – Oscar Bobb, Nico O'Reilly, Nico Gonzalez – Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, Erling Haaland.
Midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Rodri Hernandez will miss the match due to injuries. Forward Phil Foden is doubtful for the game.
Referee
Jarred Gillett (Australia)
Matches – 16 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 68;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 19%.
Match Prediction: Wolverhampton vs. Manchester City
The Citizens have a strong record against this opponent. In the last 10 league meetings, the Citizens have won 9 times, suffering only one defeat. In this series, Pep Guardiola's side won by two or more goals on six occasions.
Heading into this match, Manchester City is in good form, unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League games. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton has not tasted victory in their last four league matches. Therefore, I believe the visitors will comfortably handle Vitor Pereira's side. The Citizens have gelled well in the second half of last season and have strengthened over the summer, making them ready to compete for the Premier League title once again.
My prediction: Manchester City with a handicap (-1.5)
