Manchester City opposition watch: Wolverhampton Wanderers | OneFootball

Manchester City begin their bid to recapture the Premier League title this weekend. Pep Guardiola’s side will take on Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday to start the new season. Vitor Pereira’s side has lost several key players this summer. But despite this, they have the potential to be a formidable opponent at Molineux on Saturday.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have quality in their ranks, especially in midfield.

It has been a busy summer in terms of departures for Wolves. This summer has seen key players Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Nelson Semedo leave the club. The departure of three key players leaves a void in Vitor Pereira’s squad. But despite the loss of those three players, there is quality in the Wolves’ ranks.

Looking at the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfield, two players will be key to their fortunes against Manchester City and throughout next season. Those two players are Andre and Joao Gomes. The Brazilian midfielders have the necessary tenacity and fight to thrive in midfield. They are also technically sound players who have more than earned their strong reputations. They do loom as a threat to Pep Guardiola’s side at Molineux. If Manchester City win the midfield battle on Saturday, it could dictate who wins Saturday’s match.

Up front, Vitor Pereira’s squad does have quality in the final third. Striker Jørgen Strand Larson is a strong and physical player with an eye for goal. He should give the Manchester City defence a tough day at the office. If Wolves create the chances, Strand Larson is a quality finisher. Colombian winger Jhon Arias is a new signing at Molineux. He is a dynamic winger who can be a handful on his day.

At the back, the Wolverhampton Wanderers does appear to be in a state of rebuild. The loss of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Nelson Semedo does stand out. But centre-backs Toti and Emmanuel Agbadou are a strong combination who are Premier League proven. Jose Sa is a quality goalkeeper which he has displayed throughout his time at Wolves.

Wolves have a quality manager in Vitor Pereira.

Vitor Pereira led Wolves to safety last season. He took over the club when it was in a perilous position in the Premier League table. Wolves seemed to be a candidate to be relegated last season until Vitor Pereira took over. He led his Wolverhampton Wanderers side to 10 wins in 22 matches and kept them in the Premier League with ease.

Typically, Vitor Pereira prefers a 3-4-3 formation. The three centre-backs give his team stability at the back, and he prefers his wing-backs to offer an attacking threat. With the loss of Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri, how this affects Vitor Pereira’s side remains to be seen.

Summary.

All told, Wolverhampton Wanderers won’t be a pushover at Molineux on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side will have to be at their best against Vitor Pereira’s side. Wolves on their day can be a handful. Especially at home. The potential for a tricky fixture is there for Manchester City. So they will have to be at their best to start the season with three points on Saturday.