Ahoy there, me hearties! We’re about to set sail into the deep, treacherous waters of the ocean. It’s important that we remain strong and vigilant every day and every week. Matchday 7 is upon us, and Manchester City will be testing their mettle against Wolverhampton. Both teams are coming off bitter defeats in the EFL Cup and have been knocked out of the competition. Pep Guardiola can kiss goodbye to the domestic treble and his chances of achieving a quadruple are now out of the question (I hope you don’t mind my math reference!). Let’s take a closer look at the match.
The hosts, Wolves are having a rough patch. Lying on the outskirts of the relegation zone already. Out of the knockout cup. Gary O’Neil is finding difficult to gel the team nicely. Appointed after Wolves parted ways with Lopetegui, a few disagreements they say. Just a month of the appointment and fate has been harsh towards the English gaffer. Moreover, to add to that he will be facing Pep Guardiola’s side on Saturday. Their ex-captain and most important player, Ruben Neves left for Saudi, as well. It leaves a gap in the team to be filled. Overall, Wolves must get their mess altogether and strive to compete to be at least a midtable mafia.
Manchester City, on the other hand, are still unbeaten in the Premier League. Following the loss against Newcastle in the EFL Cup matchday at St. James’ Park, Man City are now officially out of the EFL Cup courtesy to Isak’s goal. The Blues should maintain their perfect record in the Premier League for as long as possible. But you have no clue what Pep is thinking. Despite being a goal down, Pep rested Haaland against Newcastle. So we can only hope that Manchester City pushes themselves to the edge.
Also read: Newcastle United Vs Manchester City: EFL Cup 2023/24 Match Preview
Wolves’ current form: L D L L W
Man City’s current form: L W W W W
WHEN & WHERE?
Where: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton.
When: Saturday, 29th September 2023.
Time: 7:30 PM IST / 2:00 PM GMT.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Craig Pawson.
Assistants: Darren Cann, Marc Perry.
Fourth official: Tim Robinson.
VAR: Robert Jones.
Assistant VAR: Neil Davies.
TEAM NEWS
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For Wolves, midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, is facing suspension thus leading to being unavailable. Meanwhile, the ineligibility of playing against the parent club is leaving loanee Tommy Doyle out of this fixture. Rest, the whole team is available for O’Neil.
At Manchester City, Rodri sits out the second game serving three-match ban. In addition, John Stones has a muscular ailment, while Bernardo Silva has a leg problem. The long-term absence of De Bruyne continues.
MATCH ANALYSIS
Also read: Wonderkid Central Part X: Lewis Dobbin – The Next Great Academy Hope At Everton
Pep will set up in the usual 4-2-3-1. Due to a lack of explosive wingbacks in the team, the boos will set up with 3 CB’s and a proper right full back. The prowess on the wings will be rather given by the left winger on his side. While mostly, Foden on the right-side will tuck inside and Kyle Walker will provide the width. Julian Alvarez in the middle will have grown to adapt the central attacking mid role by then. He is such a player who can be a tailor-fit for any position upfront. A boon to any coach. Meanwhile, Haaland upfront will be an endgame.
KEY PLAYERS
Hwang Hee-Chan
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The Korean Oppa has been the top scorer for Wolves so far. Netting 3 goals in 6 matches. He is giving stellar performances for the Wanderers. He might cause trouble for the City defense during a counter-attack. An Aggressive player with hunger for goal. He showcases=d us in the World Cup what power he holds.
Julian Alvarez
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The Argentine Spiderman is enjoying his season at City this year. Playing in that precious no. 10 role, he can perfectly showcase how complete player he is. Creating and scoring as if he knows it like back of his hand. Feeding Haaland and feed on the opponents, he can do it both. He is the one to look out for in the Manchester City outfit. He surely is not letting us miss De Bruyne.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Wolves predicted lineup vs Man City: Jose Sa; Nouri, Kilman, Dawson, Semedo; Traore, Lemina, Gomes; Neto, Cunha, Hwang Hee-Chan.
Manchester City predicted lineup vs Wolves: Ederson; Gvardiol, Akanji, Dias, Walker; Kovacic, Nunes; Doku, Alvarez, Foden; Haaland.
