Man City predicted XI vs Wolves: Four changes anticipated from Pep Guardiola at Molineux

Here’s how we think Manchester City will line up against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is likely to make changes to his team for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Blues head to Molineux for a 12:30pm kick-off, in their final match ahead of the international break.

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However, the Premier League champions will need to perform better against Wolves than they did during the midweek win over Borussia Dortmund.

Despite snatching a victory in the Champions League thanks to late strikes from John Stones and Erling Haaland, City were far below their usual standards. In fact, Stones’ opener on 80 minutes was the team’s first shot on target during the game.

But City improved after a triple substitution around the hour mark, when Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish were replaced by Bernardo Silva, Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden.

Phil Foden is among those expected to return to the team this weekend. Credit: Getty.Phil Foden is among those expected to return to the team this weekend. Credit: Getty.
Phil Foden is among those expected to return to the team this weekend. Credit: Getty.

But will Guardiola opt to introduce Wednesday’s substitutes into the starting line-up in the West Midlands or stick with the same team?

City’s line-up vs Wolves

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For the clash with Bruno Lage’s men, Ederson will almost certainly start in nets, barring any last-minute injury.

In defence, Ruben Dias was an unused substitute on Wednesday and is likely to come back into the team, in place of Manuel Akanji or Nathan Ake.

Stones played at right-back against Dortmund and could continue in that position again, although he is an option in the centre of defence. Meanwhile, Joao Cancelo and Sergio Gomez look the most likely to start at full-back.

Stones netted a rare goal in midweek. Credit: Getty.Stones netted a rare goal in midweek. Credit: Getty.
Stones netted a rare goal in midweek. Credit: Getty.

In the middle of the pitch, Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne have been two of Guardiola’s most trusted players this season and should start given City didn’t play last weekend and rotation isn’t a huge concern at present.

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They’re likely to be joined by Gundogan or Silva in midfield, although Kalvin Phillips could play as he builds up his fitness following a slow start to life at the Etihad.

Silva may also start at right wing, something he’s done several times this term, while Mahrez, Foden and Alvarez offer alternatives in that role.

Grealish’s recent performances have been under scrutiny. Credit: Getty.Grealish’s recent performances have been under scrutiny. Credit: Getty.
Grealish’s recent performances have been under scrutiny. Credit: Getty.

On the left, Grealish and Foden look the most viable choices for Guardiola with the pair included in the latest England squad on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Haaland is expected to play up front and will look to add to his 13 goals so far in sky blue. His winner against Dortmund was spectacular and the striker even admitted after the game it was among the best of his career to date.

Manchester City predicted XI: Ederson; Cancelo, Dias, Akanji, Gomez; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Silva, Haaland, Foden.