Wolverhampton Wanderers host Manchester City at Molineux on Saturday evening to kick off the 2025-26 Premier League season. Wolves are looking for stability after last year’s survival fight, while City aim to reclaim the title after finishing 13 points behind Liverpool.
Vitor Pereira has revived Wolves since arriving last season, winning 10 of his 22 league games and becoming a cult figure among the fans. But the Old Gold had a tough pre-season with no wins in five games and now begins life without top scorer Matheus Cunha and full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, who joined City. New signings Jhon Arias and Fer Lopez are expected to play key roles.
For Pep Guardiola’s men, this season marks a reset. Big names like Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker are gone, but the squad has been refreshed with Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and James Trafford. City won both their summer friendlies and arrive with confidence, especially with Erling Haaland ready to lead the line.
Wolves vs Man City: Key Stats
Head-to-head: Wolves 5 wins, Man City 16 wins, 4 draws
Wolves have lost their opening-day match in 4 straight seasons.
City have not lost in their last 10 Premier League matches.
Haaland has 8 goals in 5 games against Wolves.
The last 6 meetings at Molineux have all seen over 2.5 goals.
What to Expect From Both Teams
Wolves;
Pereira will stick to his 3-4-3 system. Expect plenty of energy in midfield from Joao Gomes and Andre, with debutants Arias and Lopez supporting Jorgen Strand Larsen in attack. Defensive concerns remain, especially after a leaky pre-season.
Manchester City;
City will look sharper than last season’s stumbling start. Bernardo Silva leads as captain, Reijnders is set for a debut in midfield, and Haaland is the obvious threat up front. Fitness doubts linger over Foden and Gvardiol, but Guardiola has depth to rotate.
Predicted Lineups
Wolves (3-4-3)🟡⚫️:
Sa; Doherty, Agbadou, Toti; Hoever, J. Gomes, Andre, Wolfe; Lopez, Arias; Strand Larsen
Man City (4-3-3)🔵⚪:
Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri; Bernardo, Reijnders; Cherki, Foden, Haaland, Marmoush
Players and Matchups to Watch
Haaland vs Wolves’ back three: Can anyone stop him?
Arias’ debut: Wolves need his spark in attack.
Ex-Wolves Ait-Nouri and Nunes: will they haunt their old club?
Odds Market on MSport
💵Wolves to win: 7.06
💵Over 2.5 goals: 1.64
💵 Haaland Anytime Goalscorer: 1.78
Wolves are rebuilding and still adapting under Pereira. City looks refreshed, hungry, and have Haaland fit and firing. Molineux will believe, but the challenge will be tough; expect City to go all out.
