Pep Guardiola’s refreshed Manchester City side hit top form at the end of 2025 with eight straight wins in all competitions, but 2026 has started in a far more troubling fashion, softfootball reported.
The Citizens have won just two of their first seven games of the new year and come into this clash on the back of two painful defeats that have dented confidence.
The most damaging of those was the 3-1 Champions League loss away to Bodo/Glimt, a shock result that has left City with work to do in Europe.
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Just days earlier, they had also fallen to a 2-0 Premier League defeat against rivals Manchester United, a result that stretched their winless league run and allowed Arsenal to open a gap at the top.
However, City had recently shown signs of recovery in the league with an important away win against Newcastle, a performance that reminded many of their quality under pressure.
The club also took to their official X handle with a light-hearted post
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showing morale in the camp remains upbeat.
Wolves, on the other hand, have found new life in 2026. They are unbeaten in their last four Premier League matches and look far more organised defensively, though they still sit bottom of the table with a significant gap to safety.
That said, the Etihad has historically been a difficult ground for Wolves. City have won 10 of their last 11 league meetings against them, scoring 32 goals in the process. Despite their recent struggles, Guardiola’s side remain strong favourites based on quality, depth and home advantage.
Team News
Manchester City are without several key players. Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Dias, Oscar Bobb and Savinho are all ruled out through injury.
Matheus Nunes and Nico Gonzalez will be assessed before kickoff. Bernardo Silva returns from suspension, while new signings Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo could start. Rodri is available despite his midweek red card.
For Wolves, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Toti Gomes and Leon Chiwome remain sidelined, while Tawanda Chirewa is a doubt. The back three of Mosquera, Santiago Bueno and Krejci is expected to continue in front of Jose Sa.
Possible Lineups
Manchester City:
Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Gonzalez, Bernardo; Semenyo, Foden, Doku; Haaland
Wolverhampton Wanderers:
Sa; Mosquera, S. Bueno, Krejci; Tchatchoua, Andre, Mane, J. Gomes, H. Bueno; Hwang, Strand Larsen
Prediction
Despite their recent struggles, including the 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt, City showed signs of recovery with an important away win over Newcastle. At the Etihad, Guardiola’s side should have enough quality to overcome a spirited but goal-shy Wolves team.
Where to watch
In the United Kingdom, the match will not be shown live on TV or streamed online due to the traditional Saturday 3:00 PM blackout rule. Radio commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live. Highlights will be available for free on the Sky Sports app shortly after the match and later in the evening on Match of the Day.
In the United States, the match will be shown live on Peacock, NBCSN, and Fubo. In Canada, it will be available to stream via Fubo Sports on DAZN.
In other countries, coverage is provided by various local broadcasters and streaming services. Viewers can check the official Manchester City TV listings on their website to find options available in their region. In India, the match is on JioHotstar, in Australia on Stan Sport, and in South Africa on Showmax.
