Manchester City vs Wolves: Premier League Preview

City's 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Wembley last weekend was bittersweet—while it guaranteed a shot at silverware against Crystal Palace, it also confirmed the end of their Premier League title reign, with Liverpool officially crowned champions. Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola’s men remain in the hunt for a Champions League berth and have won three successive league matches heading into this clash.

Wolves arrive in Manchester in scintillating form, having won six Premier League matches on the bounce—the joint-longest winning run of any side this season. Vítor Pereira’s rejuvenated squad has climbed clear of any relegation concerns and now sits within touching distance of the top half of the table, trailing 12th-placed Crystal Palace by just a single point.

Form Guide
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last six league fixtures (W4, D2) and could post four straight top-flight wins for the first time since the season’s opening month. Their form at the Etihad has been typically strong, though some uncharacteristic stumbles have seen lower-ranked teams leave with points this season.

Wolves, by contrast, are on a club-record-setting trajectory, having won four consecutive away league games. Their 3-0 dismantling of Leicester City last time out showcased the attacking threat of Jorgen Strand Larsen and Matheus Cunha, both of whom found the net again.

Head-to-Head
City boast a dominant recent record against Wolves, winning eight of the last nine Premier League meetings. Since Wolves completed a memorable double over Guardiola’s side in 2019-20, the Manchester giants have responded ruthlessly, including a 5-1 thrashing in last season’s corresponding fixture.

Wolves have not won at the Etihad since a 2-0 victory in October 2019, and City have won eight of their last nine home encounters against them in all competitions.

Key Stats and Players to Watch

• Kevin De Bruyne has been particularly prolific against Wolves, registering 10 goal involvements (5 goals, 5 assists) in nine league appearances against them.
• Matheus Cunha continues to lead the line effectively for Wolves, contributing to 21 Premier League goals this season—just two shy of the club record set by Raúl Jiménez in 2019-20.
• Jorgen Strand Larsen is enjoying a red-hot streak, scoring six goals in his last six matches, four of which were match-winners.
• Omar Marmoush, deputising for Erling Haaland, has scored all six of his league goals at home this season.
• City have won a league-high six matches when conceding first, highlighting their ability to recover.

Team News
City remain without key players including Erling Haaland, Rodri, Nathan Ake, and John Stones, while Ederson and Oscar Bobb are doubtful. Stefan Ortega should continue in goal, and Kevin De Bruyne is likely to return to the XI after being rested last weekend.

For Wolves, Hwang Hee-chan and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde are back in contention after being unused substitutes. Long-term absentees Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, and Yerson Mosquera remain sidelined.

Final Word
With both teams entering this fixture in excellent form, the Etihad is set for a compelling Friday night encounter. City seek to maintain control of their Champions League destiny, while Wolves will be eyeing a landmark seventh straight league win and a rare scalp on the blue half of Manchester.