Wolverhampton Wanderers face the toughest of opening day tasks as they welcome Manchester City to Molineux on Saturday evening to kick off their Premier League season.
City have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning nine of the last ten meetings and scoring 28 goals across that run. Wolves’ only victory since 2019 came two years ago, and they’ll need another upset to dent Pep Guardiola’s title ambitions.
The Sky Blues arrive in the Black Country looking to bounce back from a rare trophyless season in 2024/25. After finishing third in the Premier League, falling at the first Champions League hurdle, and losing the FA Cup Final, Guardiola has overseen a £155 million summer rebuild, bringing in Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and goalkeeper James Trafford.
For Wolves, Vítor Pereira’s first full season in charge begins with cautious optimism. He steered them to safety after replacing Gary O’Neil midway through last campaign, but the summer departures of Matheus Cunha and Aït-Nouri leave big gaps to fill. Norwegian striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, fresh off a 14-goal debut season, will be tasked with leading the line.
Wolves vs. Manchester City lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injuries
Wolves team news
Pereira is expected to go with a back five to limit City’s attacking threats. New signing David Møller Wolfe should debut at wing-back, while Jhon Arias looks set to start in attack. Fer López could also make his Premier League bow from the bench.
Wolves predicted XI (5-2-2-1, right to left): José Sá (GK) — Hoever, Doherty, Toti, Agbadou, Møller Wolfe — André, João Gomes, Bellegarde, Arias — Strand Larsen
Injured: None reported
Suspended: None
Manchester City team news
City’s biggest concern is the absence of midfield anchor Rodri, who is sidelined until September with a groin injury. Mateo Kovačić is also out, leaving opportunities for young duo Nico González and Nico O’Reilly. New recruits Aït-Nouri, Cherki and Reijnders are all in line to feature, while Guardiola must decide whether to start new keeper Trafford or stick with Ederson.
Man City predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Ederson (GK) — Akanji, Stones, Rúben Dias, Aït-Nouri — Reijnders, Nico, Doku — Cherki, Marmoush, Haaland
Injured: Rodri (groin), Kovačić (unspecified)
Suspended: None
Wolves vs. Manchester City match details
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Kickoff time: 5:30 p.m. local (BST) / 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT
- Location: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: To be confirmed
- VAR: To be confirmed