The Premier League returns this weekend, and one of the standout fixtures of the opening round sees Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome Manchester City to Molineux. With both sides eager to start the 2025-26 campaign on the right foot, this clash offers an intriguing mix of ambition, transition, and early-season pressure.
Wolves, under the guidance of Vítor Pereira, enter the new season aiming to improve on last year’s 16th-place finish. However, summer departures have been significant—Matheus Cunha, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Nelson Semedo have all moved on—leaving questions over creativity and cutting edge in attack.
City, meanwhile, are seeking redemption after finishing third last term. Pep Guardiola begins his 10th season in charge, determined to reclaim the title. But his squad heads into the opener with notable injury concerns, particularly in midfield.
Rayan Cherki will wear the number 🔟 shirt for the 2025/26 season 💪🩵 pic.twitter.com/0AIuVtTIwE
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 14, 2025
Team News
Manchester City
- Rodri remains sidelined until after the September international break.
- Mateo Kovacic is still recovering and unlikely to return before October.
- Phil Foden is a doubt after an ankle knock and will undergo a late fitness test.
Guardiola could be forced into a reshuffled midfield, potentially starting newcomers Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki alongside veterans like Ilkay Gündogan. Erling Haaland is expected to spearhead the attack, while Ederson returns in goal.
Wolves
- Defender Yerson Mosquera is in contention after recovering from a long-term knee injury.
- New signing Jhon Arias could make his competitive debut.
- Norwegian striker Jørgen Strand Larsen is set to lead the line.
Predicted Lineups
Wolves:
Sa; Doherty, Agbadou, Toti; Hoever, J. Gomes, Andre, Wolfe; Lopez, Arias; Strand Larsen
Manchester City:
Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri; Bernardo, Gundogan, Reijnders; Cherki, Haaland, Marmoush
