Manchester City will look to bounce back from a horrible slump of form as they welcome rock-bottom Wolves to the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.
It’s been a hugely disappointing few days for Manchester City, as they followed up their deserved 2-0 derby defeat at Old Trafford against Manchester United last weekend with a 3-1 loss in the Arctic Circle against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
Pep Guardiola’s hosts have now won just two of their last seven matches in all competitions (W2-D3-L2), with both wins coming in the FA Cup and the League Cup.
Their four-game winless streak in the Premier League (W0-D3-L1) has seen the Citizens fall seven points behind leaders Arsenal and are above third-placed Aston Villa on goal difference.
Wolves’ steady improvement under Rob Edwards continued last weekend as they held Newcastle United to a goalless draw at Molineux.
The Old Gold are now unbeaten in each of their previous four Premier League outings (W1-D3-L0) – as well as advancing to the fourth round of the FA Cup in that run – but remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League table, 14 points adrift of safety.
How the bookies view it: City expected to bounce back
Despite failing to win each of their last four Premier League matches, Manchester City have been installed as short-priced favourites, with bet365 pricing a home success at just 1/5.
Wolves are 10/1 underdogs to claim just their second Premier League victory of the season, whilst the draw is also unfancied at 6/1.
Head to head: City dominance in recent years
Manchester City have dominated this fixture in recent seasons, with Pep Guardiola winning 10 of his past 11 meetings with Wolves, including each of their last five at the Etihad.
Players to watch: Tijani to find the target again?
With Manchester City such short odds, it’s hard to find any value in any of their attacking players to get on the scoresheet or provide an assist.
However, Tijani Reijnders is a backable 23/20 at William Hill to Score or Assist, with the Dutchman scoring six goals and providing seven assists since his summer move from Milan, including goals in three of his last four starts in the Premier League.
The Dutchman also scored and provided an assist in the reverse fixture back on the opening day of the season, and could be a good option for a goal contribution IF he starts.
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Predicted line-ups:
Manchester City will be without the injured Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Oscar Bobb, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez and Savinho, but Marc Guehi could make his full debut.
Wolves will be without the injured Toti Gomes Jean-Ricner Bellgarde and Leon Chiwome.
Manchester City: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly, Rodri, Silva, Foden, Doku, Semenyo, Haaland
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Sa, Mosquera, Krejci, Bueno, Tchatchoua, Andre, Gomes, Mane, Bueno Hwang, Arokodare
Anything else catch the eye?
As alluded to, Wolves have improved under Rob Edwards, as they are unbeaten in each of their last four Premier League outings, and I expect them to make it tough for their out-of-sorts hosts.
However, City have won 10 of their previous 11 meetings with Wolves, with their 1-0 victory in the corresponding fixture last season being their fifth on the bounce at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s hosts can blow sides away, particularly at home, but I’m happy to take a chance on a home win & Under 3.5 Goals, which pays 7/5 at Paddy Power.
All eight of Wolves’ defeats on their travels this campaign have featured fewer than four goals, including recent losses on Arsenal (2-1), Aston Villa (1-0) and Liverpool (2-1).
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