Will the midfield battle decide Manchester City’s clash with Wolves? | OneFootball

Manchester City take Wolverhampton Wanderers later today at Molineux in Premier League action. Pep Guardiola’s side will be expected to pick up all three points against bottom-of-the-table Wolves. But no game is a formality. Gary O’Neill’s side has quality in their ranks, especially in midfield. Looking at the match the midfield battle may well be the deciding factor in today’s Premier League encounter.

Despite sitting bottom of the Premier League table Wolves do have quality in their lineup. A quick look at their squad shows that is full of potential match winners on their day. They are especially strong in midfield and it does appear that whichever team wins the midfield battle could well set their team up to pick up a crucial three points.

During their 5-3 loss to Brentford before the international break Gary O’Neill lined up with a 3 man midfield. Joao Gomes, Mario Lemina and Brazilian international Andre formed the heart of Wolves midfield. The trio are all quality performers on their day and are combative midfielders at the very least. In the case of Mario Lemina, he does have the quality to drift forward on occasion. Their primary job is to dominate the midfield battles to allow Matheus Cunha and Wolves frontmen the opportunity to prosper.

How Pep Guardiola lines up in midfield will be interesting to see when the starting lineups are announced. Will Rico Lewis start at right-back and drift into midfield to support City’s midfield? He is more than capable of playing that role. If John Stones starts, he may drift into midfield when City has possession. That would provide the champions with the numbers needed to overwhelm Wolves midfield.

The midfield battle could decide today’s match. If Wolves are up for the fight in midfield they could provide Manchester City with a tough test. But if City get on top in midfield they could have too much talent all over the pitch for Gary O’Neill’s side. It will be fascinating to see what unfolds at Molineux later today and whatever team wins the midfield battle may well take all three points at Molineux.