Wolves vs Manchester City
English Premier League
Date: Monday, 21 September 2020
Kick-off at 20:15 UK/ 21:15 CET
Venue: Molineux Stadium.
Match preview
Six teams finished in the final against Wolves in the Premier League last season, but for Manchester City this could be just about the toughest opening match they could face.
The wolf was a league double over then-champion in 2019-20, and on Monday night could be the first team to ever beat Guardiola's side three league games in a row.
All the statistics show that the Wolves are a bogey team Man City last season as well; excluding penalty shootouts, Guardiola only has a losing record against two managers he has faced at least five times - Nuno Espirito Santo and Jurgen Klopp.
3-2 win in the corresponding fixture last season at Molineux Wolves also saw record 62.2% ownership - the highest percentage of any club has been successful against Guardiola's team in any competition.
statistics must be qualified by the fact that Man City were reduced to 10 men early in the match, but it will not change the expectations of how difficult contest Guardiola will.
Is standard on the top of the Premier League now that any dropped points - even in the opening match - could prove costly, and if Liverpool overcome Chelsea on Sunday then Man City will once again find themselves playing catch-up from the initial stage.
On the plus side, they record the great opening day; Cities are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League curtain raiser them, and victory at Molineux would see them win a record 10 in a row.
City very well ended last season with five successive league victories, scoring 21 goals and conceding just once in the process.
However, they were beaten seven times away from home in the league last season and, while they are also some way adrift of Liverpool in terms of home form, it is that the record on their travels that will need the most improvement if they want to close the gap on champions.
For their part, the Wolves will have their sights set on European qualification once again after finishing seventh for the second season in a row last season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City Team News
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo will be able to call the service of Spain full-back Jonny, who is out with a long-term injury. Forward Diogo Jota is reportedly nearing a move to Liverpool, so it remains to be seen whether he has or not.
Injured: Jonny
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that veteran forward Sergio Aguero unavailable due to injury, while central defender Aymeric Laporte is still recovering after being diagnosed with a coronavirus. In addition, there may be a debut to defender Nathan Ake and winger Ferran Torres.
Injured: Sergio Aguero, Aymeric Laporte
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Wolves vs Manchester City Prediction
The Citizens face a major heartbreak last season, as they lost the league title and dumped out of the CL by Ligue 1. They are determined to have revenge quest this time, and will not drop points at any cost Monday.
They may be on the road, but with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne (PFA Player of the Year), Raheem Sterling, Riyaz Mahrez etc. in the list, it should be light work.
In addition, large-day win this match could make a statement to the rest of the league that they are the team to beat.
It is also worth mentioning that Liverpool look a bit shaky at the moment. They were lucky to record a victory against Leeds (club recently promoted), and at one point or another in the next few weeks, they should lose points.
In such cases, the consistency of Pep Guardiola's men have to pay. They have great h2h record against rivals after all.
Chances are, expect Manchester City to win the match this weekend.
Wolves vs Manchester City: Betting Tips
Manchester City to Win @ 1.50 (1/2)
Score in First Half: Manchester City @ 1.60 (3/5).
