Wolves vs Manchester City – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Wolves welcome Manchester City to Molineux for their 2025/26 Premier League opener on Saturday evening, a test of Vitor Pereira’s new-look side against Pep Guardiola’s determined City.

Wanderers, buoyed by summer reinforcements, target an upset after a winless pre-season, while City aim to reclaim their dominance after a disappointing last campaign.

Pereira rescued Wolves from the threat of relegation last term to finish 16th, and with City’s strong historical record at Molineux, Wolves will rely on home advantage to kick start their campaign.

Wolves vs Manchester City – Match preview and team news

Date: Saturday, 16th August 2025

Kick-off: 5:30pm BST

Venue: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton

Last Meeting: Manchester City 1 Wolves 0, 3rd May 2025, Premier League

Team News

Wolves

Manager Vitor Pereira has a near fully-fit squad to choose from and could hand competitive debuts to several summer signings. Winger Jhon Arias, an arrival from Fluminense, and left-back David Moller Wolfe are in line to feature as Wolves look to add fresh flair and depth following the departure of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United.

Promising young talent Emilio Ballard-Matthews is also in contention for a place in the matchday squad after signing his first professional contract. With no major injury concerns, Pereira’s primary focus has been on integrating the new players and building cohesion after a challenging winless pre-season that included defeats to Atalanta.

Manchester City

Manchester City begin the season with a new-look squad following a significant summer overhaul that saw the departure of club stalwarts like Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker.

Manager Pep Guardiola could hand debuts to a trio of new arrivals, with left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri in line to face his former club. He is joined by midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and winger Rayan Cherki, while James Trafford returns as backup goalkeeper.

Guardiola has received a significant fitness boost ahead of the opener, with key duo Phil Foden and Rodri both close to full fitness after overcoming minor issues. The leaner squad reflects a clear emphasis on youth and tactical evolution as the team embarks on a new chapter.

Form

Wolves

Wolves enter the new campaign on the back of a challenging pre-season. Vitor Pereira’s side went winless in their final three fixtures, a run that included a defeat to Serie A side Atalanta.

However, after securing a solid mid-table finish last term, Wolves will be counting on their strong home support at Molineux to help them make a fast start to the season.

Manchester City

In contrast, Manchester City enjoyed a promising pre-season, showcasing their quality in impressive victories over Barcelona and a hard-fought draw with AC Milan.

The results signal clear intent from Pep Guardiola’s squad. After relinquishing the Premier League title last season, their focus is squarely on reclaiming the crown, and they will be determined to lay down an early marker.

Predicted Lineups

Wolves: José Sá; Hoever, Doherty, Toti, Agbadou, Møller Wolfe; André, João Gomes, Bellegarde, Arias; Strand Larsen.

Manchester City: Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Aït-Nouri; Rodri, Marmoush; Cherki, Foden, Doku; Haaland.

How to watch Wolves vs Manchester City?

The match airs live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK, with coverage starting at 5pm BST. Subscribers can stream the game via the Sky Go or NOW TV apps.

Wolves vs Manchester City betting odds

Wolves: 11/2

Draw: 15/4

Man City: 8/15

Read – Nine things we’re excited about for the 2025/26 season

See Also – Every new Premier League kit released for the 2025/26 season so far

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