Manchester City will be bidding to bounce back immediately after their midweek Carabao Cup disappointment when they travel to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday in the Premier League.
The Sky Blues were dumped out of the Carabao Cup third round by Newcastle United, with the visitors losing 1-0 at St James’ Park. Pep Guardiola and Co. have no time to dwell on the defeat and must quickly turn their focus towards the weekend’s Premier League assignment.
Following a 100 per cent start to the 2023/24 Premier League season, Man City travel to Wolves hoping to make it seven wins from seven.
Manchester City Team News
Rodri will serve the second of his three-game ban after being sent off for violent conduct in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend, while Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring), John Stones (muscle) and Bernardo Silva (leg) all remain sidelined with injuries.
Manchester City were boosted by the return of Mateo Kovacic in midweek against Newcastle, with the Croatian completing 68 minutes before being replaced.
Predicted Man City lineup vs Wolves (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Stefan Ortega was in goal in City’s cup defeat to Newcastle. On Saturday at Molineux, though, Ederson should return between the sticks with the aim of keeping back-to-back clean sheets in the Premier League.
Defence
Ruben Dias should return to the fold, having been an unused substitute in Wednesday’s cup fixture. The Portuguese is likely to partner Manuel Akanji in the heart of City’s defence, with Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake being deployed as full-backs in the Man City lineup.
Walker and Ake will look to protect the central defenders and create opportunities going forward.
Josko Gvardiol could drop to the bench after playing the entire game against Newcastle.
Midfield
Matheus Nunes returns to Molineux for the first time since his move to City, and he will be keen to silence the home crowd with an impressive display. The Portuguese is expected to partner Mateo Kovacic in the middle of the park in the Man City lineup, with the duo tasked with controlling the tempo of play and keeping their team defensively compact.
Julian Alvarez has done a great job filling in at No.10 for the injured Kevin de Bruyne. He is a certainty to start again. This means Kalvin Phillips and Rico Lewis, who started in midfield against the Magpies on Wednesday, will have to wait for their opportunities on the bench.
Attack
Erling Haaland will be fresh to face Wolves, having been an unused substitute in the recent Carabao Cup fixture. He is set to lead the City attack, with Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku adding invention, energy and flair from wide areas in the Man City lineup.
In Jack Grealish, Guardiola will have a great attacking option to come off the bench and make a difference.