Manchester City host Wolves at the Etihad on Friday night, aiming to solidify their place among the Premier League’s top five and strengthen their Champions League qualification bid. Pep Guardiola’s side are in excellent form, unbeaten in six league matches and coming off a convincing FA Cup semi-final win over Nottingham Forest. City have won four in a row across all competitions and are currently in a strong position in the top-five race.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Manchester City
City remain without Rodri, Nathan Ake, Erling Haaland, and John Stones, all of whom are not expected to return this season. There are doubts over Oscar Bobb and Ederson, though Ederson is back in training but unlikely to displace Stefan Ortega in goal. Guardiola is likely to make some changes from the FA Cup semi-final, with Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden pushing for starts. Kevin De Bruyne could be on the bench.
Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Lewis, Kovacic; Silva, Foden, Doku; Marmoush.
Wolves
Wolves are missing long-term absentees Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, and Yerson Mosquera. Sam Johnstone is a doubt, but Jose Sa will continue in goal. Vitor Pereira is expected to stick with the side that beat Leicester, with Strand Larsen leading the line, supported by Matheus Cunha and Marshall Munetsi.
Expected XI (3-4-2-1): Sa; Doherty, Agbadou, Gomes; Semedo, Gomes, Andre, Ait-Nouri; Cunha, Munetsi; Strand Larsen.
Key Stats
-
Manchester City have won eight of their last nine matches against Wolves in all competitions.
-
City have won four consecutive matches across all competitions.
-
Wolves have won six consecutive Premier League games, the best run in Europe’s top leagues.
-
Wolves have kept two clean sheets in a row.
-
Kevin De Bruyne has ten goal involvements (five goals, five assists) in nine Premier League games against Wolves.
Player to Watch: Matheus Cunha
Cunha has been in superb form since returning from suspension, with four goal contributions in his last three games. He’s scored 14 goals in 28 Premier League appearances this season and is Wolves’ most influential player. With rumors swirling about a summer move, Cunha will be keen to impress in a high-profile fixture like this.
Manchester City vs Wolves Prediction
Manchester City 2-1 Wolves
City’s home advantage and greater need for points should see them edge a narrow win, but Wolves’ form means this will be a real test for Guardiola’s side. Expect a competitive, high-quality contest with City’s attacking depth making the difference late on.
Manchester City vs Wolves Live Stream
Watch online via NaijaSport247
