The Premier League is back, and what a way to kick things off!
Wolverhampton Wanderers host Manchester City at Molineux this Saturday evening for their 2025-26 season opener.
The buzz around this clash is electric, with Wolves looking to upset the odds against a City side eager to reclaim their spot at the top.
Last season was a rollercoaster for both teams. Wolves, under former manager Gary O’Neil, were teetering on the edge of relegation, managing just one point from their first eight games.
Enter Vitor Pereira, the Portuguese gaffer who turned things around, steering Wolves to a respectable 16th-place finish.
His charm extends beyond the pitch—Pereira’s post-match pub visits have made him a local legend. But with a lackluster pre-season (no wins in five friendlies), Wolves face a tough challenge to start the campaign strong.
Manchester City, meanwhile, had a rare off year.
Finishing third and trophyless for the first time in eight seasons, Pep Guardiola’s squad dealt with injuries and dips in form.
Their early exit from the Club World Cup gave them time to regroup, and with new signings like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, Manchester City look refreshed.
Their pre-season was light but promising, with victories over Preston and Palermo.
Wolves have bolstered their squad with exciting additions like Jhon Arias and Fer Lopez, but they’re missing key players like Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, who’s now a City player.
Injuries to Leon Chiwone, Yerson Mosquera, and Fabio Silva add to Pereira’s headaches. Still, the likes of Joao Gomes and Jorgen Strand Larsen could spark some magic at Molineux.
Manchester City aren’t without their own concerns. Mateo Kovacic and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri are doubtful, while Phil Foden’s fitness is up in the air.
But with Erling Haaland, who’s scored eight goals in five games against Wolves, leading the line, City’s attack remains lethal. Also we can expect goalkeeper James Trafford‘s City debut today.
New faces like Ait-Nouri and Reijnders could make an instant impact.
History doesn’t favor Wolves—they’ve lost their last four opening-day matches and won just one of their last 10 league games against Manchester City.
But Molineux is a fortress, and Pereira’s passion might just inspire an upset.
Manchester City, though, are hungry to kickstart their title chase with a statement win.
Our prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Manchester City.
Don’t be shocked, though, if Wolves make it a nail-biter.