Manchester City Look to Rebound Against Wolves: Predicted Starting XI
After a Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle, Manchester City aims to maintain their perfect Premier League record as they face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux this Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s squad suffered a midweek setback, losing 1-0 to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup, with Alexander Isak netting the sole goal. Despite this loss, they continue to boast a flawless Premier League record.
Guardiola is expected to field his strongest lineup, with Erling Haaland returning to lead the attack after being rested midweek.
Despite a recent dry spell in front of goal, the Norwegian striker has eight goals in nine appearances and is returning to a ground where he scored in a 3-0 victory last season. This move could see Julian Alvarez drop back into the role behind the striker, a position in which he has excelled this season.
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Regarding competition on the wings, Guardiola faces a decision, especially with Jack Grealish playing the full 90 minutes midweek after coming off the bench against Nottingham Forest. Given his recent return from injury, Grealish might be rested for the match against his former Midlands rivals.
With uncertainty surrounding Bernardo Silva’s fitness, Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden could occupy the wide positions. Foden, who scored the opener against Forest, has developed a promising partnership with Kyle Walker, and they may feature together on the right flank, with Doku on the left.
Rodri remains suspended for the second game of his three-game ban, and Kalvin Phillips, who played 90 minutes for the first time since last season’s final league game, is likely to retain his place in midfield alongside the now-fit Mateo Kovacic.
In defense, Walker and Ruben Dias are expected to return to the starting lineup, while Rico Lewis is likely to make way. Either Josko Gvardiol or Manuel Akanji, who both played the full 90 minutes on Wednesday, could be rested, with Akanji likely to drop out as the right-sided center-back. Ederson is set to return as the goalkeeper in place of Stefan Ortega.
The predicted Manchester City starting XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Ake; Phillips, Kovacic, Alvarez; Doku, Foden, Haaland.
