Wolves vs Manchester City Preview and Team News Ahead of Molineux Clash | OneFootball

Manchester City Begin Title Push with Trip to Wolves

Manchester City open their 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a challenging visit to Molineux on Saturday evening. Pep Guardiola’s side arrive with fresh faces in the squad and renewed ambition after an inconsistent 2024-25 season, aiming to start strongly in their pursuit of a seventh league crown in nine years.

Wolves, under Vitor Pereira, will be keen to prove they can adapt quickly to significant summer changes, particularly the departure of Matheus Cunha. The arrival of Colombian playmaker Jhon Arias offers hope of fresh creativity, while the team looks to improve on a winless pre-season.

Photo IMAGO

Match Details and Broadcast Information

Wolves vs Manchester City kicks off at 5:30pm BST on Saturday, 16 August 2025, at Molineux Stadium.

In the UK, the match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and Sky Ultra HD. Subscribers can stream the game online through the Sky Go app and website, ensuring full coverage for supporters unable to attend in person.

Team News and Key Selections

Wolves could hand competitive debuts to several new signings. Defender Yerson Mosquera is returning from a long-term knee injury and may be eased back into action. Colombian international Arias is expected to start after an outstanding Club World Cup with Fluminense, where he created more chances than any other player. David Moller Wolfe may line up at left wing-back, while Jorgen Strand Larsen is set to lead the attack.

Photo IMAGO

Manchester City face early injury concerns. Rodri, the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder, is a doubt due to a groin injury, while Claudio Echeverri and Phil Foden are recovering from ankle issues. Mateo Kovacic could also miss out. Summer signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki are in contention for their Premier League debuts.

Erling Haaland will spearhead the attack, having been the only player to feature in both halves against Palermo in pre-season. Ederson is expected to start in goal despite transfer links to Galatasaray. Former Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri is likely to feature at left-back against his old club, with Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes competing for the opposite full-back role. Youngster Nico O’Reilly offers further versatility across defence and midfield.

Photo: IMAGO

Prediction and Tactical Outlook

City’s relatively short pre-season and patchy away form last season add intrigue to this fixture. Guardiola’s team won both league meetings against Wolves last season, each by a single goal, but were pushed hard in both encounters.

Wolves’ summer has been marked by change, with key departures in Cunha, Ait-Nouri and captain Nelson Semedo. Pereira’s side also failed to register a victory in six pre-season friendlies, raising questions over attacking cohesion.

Given the strength in depth available to City, and the likelihood of Haaland leading the line, the visitors should have enough quality to claim the points, though Wolves may make it a competitive contest in front of their home crowd.

Prediction: Wolves 1-2 Manchester City