Man City Starting XI vs Wolves: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Manchester City Begin Premier League Season Against Wolves

Manchester City return to Premier League action today with an intriguing opener against Wolves at Molineux. This fixture already carries an extra storyline, with City’s new left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri potentially making his league debut against his former club.

Injury Concerns for Guardiola’s Side

City enter the new campaign with several fitness issues that could shape their early momentum. The most significant is Rodri, the Ballon d’Or winner, who sustained what Guardiola described as a “bad injury” during the Club World Cup defeat by Al-Hilal. The manager admitted the midfielder may feature sparingly at first, adding that the plan is for him to be “really fit” after the September international break.

Phil Foden is another doubt as he looks to bounce back from a quieter season last term. An ankle niggle has disrupted his preparations, with Guardiola admitting it was “touch and go” whether the England international would play at Molineux. Mateo Kovacic is ruled out with a calf injury and is not expected back until next month. Josko Gvardiol, who struck at Molineux last year, is also recovering from a knock and will be assessed, while Claudio Echeverri remains short after missing much of the Club World Cup campaign.

In his pre-match press conference, Guardiola confirmed that Savinho, linked with Tottenham this summer, will not feature due to injury.

Summer Additions Ready for Action

While absentees dominate the headlines, City also arrive with fresh signings who could shape their season. Ait-Nouri impressed in the Club World Cup and is in line to start. Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders have integrated well during pre-season, while James Trafford, re-signed from Burnley, is pushing for minutes after starting the friendly against Palermo.

Previous Encounter at Molineux

The last meeting between Manchester City and Wolves at this ground ended in a dramatic 2-1 victory for Guardiola’s men in October. Jorgen Strand Larsen scored early for Wolves, Josko Gvardiol levelled, and John Stones struck in stoppage time to seal the win. Both teams endured below-par campaigns last season, and this opener provides a chance to reset and set the tone for the months ahead.

Photo IMAGO

Predicted Line-up and Match Details

Manchester City are expected to shape up in a 4-2-3-1 system: Ederson, Nunes, Akanji, Dias, Ait-Nouri, Silva, Reijnders, Doku, Cherki, Marmoush, Haaland.Doubts remain over Foden, Rodri, Gvardiol and Echeverri, with Kovacic and Savinho sidelined.

Kick-off at Molineux is 5.30pm BST today, Saturday, 16 August 2025.