The Matchday 1 Premier League encounter between Wolverhampton and Manchester City will take place on August 16 at Molineux Stadium. Wolverhampton vs. Manchester City: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Wolverhampton
Vítor Pereira's side 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 tally only surpassed by the bottom three teams. Wolverhampton ended last season on a four-match winless streak, with three losses and one draw. Over the summer, they played four friendly matches but failed to secure a single victory (1 draw and 3 losses).
During the transfer window, the club acquired forwards Jørgen Larsen, John Arias, and Fer López, along with defender David Meller Wulf. Departing the team were forwards Matheus Cunha and Gonçalo Guedes, as well as defender Rayan Aït-Nouri.
- A maximum of 3 goals were scored in 5 of the club's last 6 Premier League games.
- Wolverhampton has suffered only one defeat in their last 6 home Premier League matches (3 wins and 2 draws).
- The team has not lost the second half in 9 of their last 11 league fixtures (4 wins and 5 draws).
Projected lineup for Wolverhampton (4-3-3)
José Sá – Rodrigo Gomes, Tote Gomes, Emmanuel Agbadou, David Meller Wulf – João Gomes, André, Ki-Jana Hoever – John Arias, Enzo González, Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Manchester City
The Citizens struggled in the first half of last season but rallied in the second half, finishing in 3rd place thanks to a 10-match unbeaten streak (7 wins and 3 draws). This was their lowest finish since the 2016/17 season when Pep Guardiola first took charge. Despite this, Manchester City was the second-highest scoring team 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 Máximo Perrone, defenders Vitor Reis and Yan Couto, and forward Jack Grealish left the club. New arrivals included defender Rayan Aït-Nouri, goalkeeper James Trafford, midfielders Tijjani Reijnders and Sverre Nypan, and forward Rayan Cherki.
- At least one team failed to score in 10 of Manchester City's last 14 Premier League games.
- Manchester City has not scored more than 2 goals in 11 of their last 13 league matches.
- The Citizens have kept clean sheets in their last 4 away Premier League games.
Projected lineup for Manchester City (4-3-3)
James Trafford – Rico Lewis, Abdukodir Khusanov, John Stones, Rayan Aït-Nouri – Oscar Bobb, Nico O'Reilly, Nico González – Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, Erling Haaland.
Due to injuries, midfielders Mateo Kovačić and Rodri Hernández will miss the match. Forward Phil Foden is doubtful. Manager's decision will see goalkeeper Ederson and forward Savinho not playing.
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%.
Wolverhampton vs. Manchester City: Match Prediction
The Citizens have a strong record against this opponent, winning 9 of the last 10 league encounters, with just one defeat. In this series, Pep Guardiola's side has won by a margin of two or more goals on six occasions.
Heading into this match, Manchester City is in good form, having not lost in their last 10 Premier League games. In contrast, Wolverhampton has not tasted victory in their last 4 league outings. Therefore, I believe the visitors will comfortably handle Vítor Pereira's side. The Citizens gelled well in the second half of last season and have strengthened over the summer, making them ready to challenge for the Premier League title once again.
My prediction – Manchester City with a handicap of (-1.5)
