Predicted Starting Line-Up: Manchester City vs Wolves (Premier League)

The Premier League calendar rarely offers a break to revitalise, and Manchester City enter Saturday afternoon’s meeting with Wolves under mounting pressure.

A run of damaging results has left Pep Guardiola’s side searching for stability, confidence, and solutions as a resurgent Wolves arrive at the Etihad Stadium with little to lose and growing belief.

Manchester City’s New Year has been defined by disruption, and having closed out 2025 with eight consecutive wins across all competitions, Pep Guardiola’s remodelled squad has since struggled to find traction.

Two wins from seven since the turn of the year, coupled with back-to-back defeats against Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt, have left City physically and psychologically fragile. Arsenal have stretched their advantage, while Aston Villa continue to apply pressure.

The midweek defeat was particularly disappointing as a 3–1 loss to Bodo/Glimt exposed a lack of cohesion, and the reaction from City’s leadership group was telling, as Bernardo Silva, Erling Haaland, Rodri, and Ruben Dias moved quickly to refund travelling supporters‘ ticket costs – an acknowledgement of performance standards falling below expectation.

That context makes Wolves’ visit significant, and this weekend’s contest is less about Premier League title momentum and more about restoring order.

However, Pep Guardiola’s options remain restricted as Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Dias, Oscar Bobb and Savinho all remain sidelined, leaving City without much of their established spine. Matheus Nunes has not yet recovered from flu, and Nico is unlikely to feature against Wolves, as Pep Guardiola confirmed in his press conference.

There is, however, welcome reinforcement. January signings Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi are both in contention, with Guardiola confirming the England international will be a massive boost in terms of defensive reinforcement.

Here is how we expect Manchester City to line-up against Wolves on Saturday afternoon!

Predicted XI

Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to continue in goal. After impressive back-to-back performances, the Italian’s role has extended beyond shot stopping to organising a constantly shifting defensive line. Against a Wolves side that transitions quickly and attacks space aggressively, Donnarumma’s command of his box will be vital.

At right-back, Rico Lewis is expected to continue, with Pep Guardiola using him repeatedly in Matheus Nunes’ absence as the Portugal international remains sidelined through recovery from flu.

Central defence is where the most notable change arrives with Marc Guehi expected to partner Abdukodir Khusanov, as Max Alleyne drops out. The former’s arrival brings leadership, Premier League experience, and a calmer presence in duels, and his ability to defend space will be crucial.

Rayan Aït-Nouri’s familiarity with Wolves adds narrative intrigue, but Nico O’Reilly’s match sharpness and positional discipline may give him the edge at left-back. His performance against Bodo/Glimt may attract scrutiny, operating in midfield on the night, yet his previous exploits have earned him plenty of warranted praise.

The midfield balance will define Manchester City’s performance, and Rodri is expected to take charge of midfield despite a disappointing display by his own standards last time. The significance of the Ballon d’Or winner is second to none, and with Nico suffering from a knock, it is imperative that Rodri finds his best level soon.

Bernardo Silva is expected to start alongside the aforementioned holding midfielder, bringing control, composure, and an understanding of tempo that was missing against Bodo/Glimt. In a game where City need to reassert authority, Bernardo’s ability to dictate rhythm without forcing play is significant.

Rayan Cherki’s inclusion instead of Phil Foden could be one of Pep Guardiola’s bigger decisions, with Foden without a goal or assist in his last nine appearances, and the manager must go with the more in-form player. The Frenchman’s movement between lines remains valuable, and his incisive passing is particularly important, especially when City dominate possession but struggle to penetrate.

Antoine Semenyo is set to start on the right after an encouraging start at the club, and his physicality and willingness to attack the box provides an alternative profile to City’s more technical wide options. His defensive contributions to aid Rico Lewis in dealing with transitions will also be crucial.

Through the middle, Erling Haaland is expected to lead the line despite suffering from a goal drought from open play in his last eight matches. Haaland has, however, scored more Premier League goals against Wolves than any other side with 10 to his name, and City will continue to trust him.

Jeremy Doku is expected to start on the left for Manchester City, and the Belgian’s direct running offers a different challenge to Wolves’ defensive block and forces opposition full-backs deeper.

Manchester City’s approach is expected to be controlled rather than expansive. Wolves are comfortable defending deep and breaking quickly, so Pep Guardiola could prioritise space between the lines. The emphasis may be on patience, and limiting exposure in transition.

This is a fixture City have historically dominated, winning 10 of their last 11 Premier League meetings with Wolves, scoring 32 goals, and stand unbeaten in 30 top-flight matches against teams starting the day bottom of the table.

Starting XI: Donnarumma; Lewis, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rodri, Bernardo (C), Cherki; Semenyo, Haaland, Doku.

Substitutes: Trafford, Alleyne, Ake, Mfuni, Aït-Nouri, Reijnders, Foden, Marmoush, Mukasa.