This weekend, Manchester City aims to keep pace with league leaders Liverpool as they face Wolves in a crucial Premier League matchup. City currently trails Liverpool by one point and will be looking to claim all three points against a struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers side that sits at the bottom of the table.
**Manchester City’s Quest for Three Points**
Pep Guardiola’s side remains relatively injury-free following the international break, which is a rarity compared to other Premier League teams. While star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is still sidelined, defender Nathan Ake could return to action after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in September. City’s star striker, Erling Haaland, will lead the charge, hoping to reduce the goal difference gap between City and Liverpool, which currently stands at nine to eleven.
Wolves, in contrast, are enduring a miserable run of form. They have yet to win a league game this season and have conceded 21 goals in eight matches, making them the worst defensive team in the Premier League. To make matters worse, key forward Hwang Hee-chan is doubtful for the game due to an ankle injury. Hwang had been instrumental in Wolves’ shock victory over City back in March 2023, but that feels like a distant memory as the club has continued to struggle ever since.
**The Importance of Goal Differential**
With both City and Liverpool so close at the top of the table, goal differential could play a significant role in deciding the league title. This means that City will be looking to not only win but to do so emphatically to boost their GD. Given Wolves’ defensive vulnerabilities and City’s potent attack led by Haaland, this game presents a prime opportunity for City to run up the score.
**Team Lineups and Prediction**
City’s predicted lineup includes stars like Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Jack Grealish supporting Haaland in attack. Wolves, on the other hand, will likely field a weakened lineup, especially if Hwang is unable to play.
Historically, City has dominated this fixture, winning four of their last five meetings with Wolves. Despite some hiccups in their form after losing Rodri to injury, City is expected to win comfortably. The predicted scoreline is a 4-0 victory for the reigning champions.
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