Wolves vs Manchester City Prediction 16.08.2025
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Wolves vs Manchester City Prediction
Wolves vs Manchester City Prediction and Betting Tips for the Premier League opener on Saturday at Molineux. The spotlight is firmly on Pep Guardiola’s reshaped squad, as they face a Wolves side eager to prove last season’s escape from relegation was no fluke. In this article, you’ll find insights and Premier League Predictions from XpertStats experts.
- Wolves aim to improve on last season’s 16th-place finish under Vitor Pereira.
- Manchester City look to bounce back after losing the title to Liverpool.
- Erling Haaland has scored eight goals in just five games against Wolves.
- Wolves have lost their opening-day Premier League match four seasons in a row.
Last season was a tale of two halves for Wolves. Under Gary O’Neil, they looked doomed, taking just one point from their first eight matches. Then came Vitor Pereira. Ten wins in his 22 games turned a sinking ship into a mid-table survivor. Fans adore him not just for the results, but for his human touch post-match pub visits included. Still, a winless pre-season (D1 L4) and the loss of top scorer Matheus Cunha leave question marks hanging over their attack.
Pereira has brought in fresh faces like Jhon Arias, Fer Lopez, and David Moller Wolfe, but integrating them quickly will be key. Wolves’ August record is grim, one win in their last 20 league games that month and they’ve lost their last four opening-day fixtures. To make matters worse, they’ve been beaten in nine of their last ten league meetings with City. History isn’t on their side, but Molineux has sprung surprises before.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are coming off a rare trophyless season, their first since 2016-17. Injuries and dips in form cost them dearly, finishing 13 points behind Liverpool. Guardiola has refreshed the squad with signings like Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and ex-Wolves full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri. Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Jack Grealish have moved on, ushering in a new era. Pre-season was light on matches, but they looked sharp in a 3-0 win over Palermo.
Opening days have been City’s specialty, winning 13 of their last 14. Haaland, with eight goals in five games against Wolves, is almost certain to lead the line. Even with Rodri sidelined and a few fitness doubts, City’s away-day dominance in August, unbeaten in 31 league games that month bar one, is a daunting statistic. Wolves will fight, but stopping City’s slick start might be a step too far.
Manchester City’s track record in opening-day fixtures is almost flawless, winning 13 of their last 14 Premier League openers. Even without Rodri and with a few players recovering from knocks, Guardiola’s side possess enough quality to dictate the game. Wolves, by contrast, have lost their first league match in each of the last four seasons and failed to win any of their five pre-season friendlies. The departure of top scorer Matheus Cunha leaves them light in attack, while their defensive frailties, 59.7% save rate from José Sá last season remain a concern. Haaland has scored eight goals in just five meetings with Wolves, and City’s midfield, even in transition, will control possession and chances. The historical head-to-head is heavily in City’s favour, with nine wins in the last ten meetings. Everything points to an away win, with City’s pace, depth, and ruthlessness likely proving too much for the hosts.
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