James Trafford starts for Manchester City against Wolves as early team news revealed | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has opted to start James Trafford in Manchester City’s first Premier League game of the brand new 2025/26 season, it has been revealed.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who re-joined the club from Burnley earlier this summer, is now set to make his competitive debut for Manchester City’s senior side in the league, with Pep Guardiola placing his trust in the young shot-stopper at Molineux.

Trafford’s inclusion comes amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the futures of both Ederson and Stefan Ortega, making Saturday evening’s clash with Wolves an early storyline for Manchester City’s season.

Trafford’s return to City was seen as part of a long-term plan to strengthen the goalkeeping department, with the England Under-21 international highly regarded for his composure, shot-stopping, and ability with the ball at his feet.

After an impressive spell at Burnley, Trafford arrives back at the Etihad Stadium with a reputation as one of English football’s most promising young goalkeepers. His immediate involvement in Guardiola’s line-up highlights the confidence within the coaching staff regarding his ability to adapt to City’s style.

The context of this decision is shaped heavily by the situation surrounding Ederson. The Brazilian has been at the centre of persistent transfer speculation this summer, with Galatasaray linked with a move for the 31-year-old.

At the same time, Ortega has been monitored by Bundesliga clubs as he considers his playing time in the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Pep Guardiola, however, remained firm in his pre-match press conference, stating: “Ederson didn’t come to me and say, ‘I want to leave’, or ‘I have an offer’.

“All the players are here and are our players and I work with them… What’s going to happen, nobody knows!”

Now, according to the information of ‘FPLMaineRoad‘ on X, James Trafford will start for Manchester City against Wolves at Molineux on Saturday evening as Pep Guardiola names his first line-up of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

Guardiola had also hinted on Friday that Ederson remained his No.1 choice between the posts, saying: “If he’s fit, yeah…” when asked whether the Brazilian would start against Wolves. Trafford’s inclusion, therefore, raises fresh questions about Ederson and whether off-field uncertainty has influenced the Catalan’s selection.

For James Trafford, the match represents an opportunity to stake his claim and accelerate his pathway into the first-team picture at Manchester City. If he impresses, Pep Guardiola may be more inclined to rotate his goalkeepers, particularly with a congested calendar ahead.

Conversely, if Ederson remains at the club beyond the summer window, Trafford could find his role revert to a developmental one as Manchester City continue to manage the delicate balance in their goalkeeping unit.

The decision also provides further intrigue to an already complex transfer window for Manchester City. With speculation persisting around exits and long-term replacements such as PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma being linked, Trafford’s early start may prove to be the first glimpse of Pep Guardiola shaping the future of his goalkeeping department.