Wolves vs Man City Betting Preview: Eyes on Prize
Citizens Inching Toward Premier League Title
Wolves Looking to Play Spoiler
Manchester City redeemed themselves over the weekend after disappointingly crashing out of the Champions League. Now, they’re three points clear of Liverpool in the English Premier League race and could be on their way to a second consecutive title.
However, they’ve sporadically had trouble with Wolverhampton Wanderers, their opponents on Wednesday. We’ll discuss whether Wolverhampton can get a result and open the title race back up in this Wolves vs Man City betting preview.
Wolves vs Man City Game Info:
- Location: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, England
- Date & Time: Wednesday, 3:15 p.m. ET
- TV: USA Network, Fubo.tv
Head-to-Head
Last five Premier League meetings:
- Dec 2021: Man City 1-0 Wolves
- Mar 2021: Man City 4-1 Wolves
- Sep 2020: Wolves 1-3 Man City
- Dec 2019: Wolves 3-2 Man City
- Oct 2019: Man City 0-2 Wolves
The last Wolves vs Man City fixture ended in a 1-0 Man City win as Raheem Sterling scored his 100th career Premier League goal. Last season, Pep Guardiola’s side defeated Wolves twice, outscoring them 7-2 in the process. City will look to complete the season sweep this season as well.
Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Wolves were often competitive with Manchester City and defeated them twice in the 2019-20 season. The last five meetings at the Molineux are even, with two wins apiece and a draw.
Wolves Break Losing Streak
- Form (All Competitions): D,L,L,L,W
- Injuries and Suspensions: D Nelson Semedo (hamstring), D Max Kilman (ankle), F Daniel Podence (foot), Coach Bruno Lage (Covid)
With a few untimely injuries to starters, the Wolves came into Saturday on a three-game losing streak. Shut out in consecutive matches to Newcastle, Burnley and Brighton, it appeared the West Midlands club would be shut out once again as they were down 2-0 to Chelsea late in the second half on Saturday.
Even though coach Bruno Lage missed the match due to Covid, he was able to make substitutions that made all the difference through Zoom. In the 78th minute, substitute Chiquinho played the ball to fellow substitute Francisco Trincao, who got a goal back on a stunning run and strike. It was also Chiquinho who sent in the cross for captain Conor Coady’s last-gasp equalizing header.
They’ve certainly displayed some uneven form as of late, but the Wolves are still a formidable opponent. Our Wolves vs Man City betting preview would be incomplete without mentioning the fact that key midfielder Ruben Neves is back. The Portuguese international should steady things in the center of the park and help to contain some of Man City’s standouts.
Man City Clear of Liverpool
- Form (All Competitions): W,L,W,W,W
- Injuries and Suspensions: D Kyle Walker (Ankle), D John Stones (Muscle)
Man City suffered heartbreak last week in the Champions League semifinal as they conceded two late goals to Rodrygo and Real Madrid to force extra time. Karim Benzema’s penalty was the decider for Real Madrid and continued the UCL woes for Manchester City, which lost in the final last year.
Still the favorites, according to the English Premier League betting odds, to win the EPL title, City thrashed Newcastle 5-0 on Sunday. It was a brilliant response from Pep Guardiola’s men and they capitalized on Liverpool’s draw with Tottenham. Heading into Matchweek 36, City are three points ahead of Liverpool with a better goal difference.
If City can gain seven points from their last three matches, the title is theirs for a second straight year. It’d be a huge boost to get all three on the road here. Raheem Sterling scored the decisive goal vs Wolves in December and he managed a brace at the weekend vs Newcastle. Kevin de Bruyne also looks to be nearing his best at a perfect time.
Man City made some splashy off-field news on Tuesday with the announcement that the club reached an agreement to sign Norwegian striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund of the Bundlesliga.
What to Watch
I’d be remiss if I didn’t note in this Wolves vs Man City betting preview that City have only won three of their last seven matches at the Molineux. Clearly the Citizens are the more talented team, but Wolves have often kept matches with top teams close this season.
In six matches vs top-four teams this season, Wolves are 0-4-2 but have yet to lose by more than a single-goal margin. Lage’s side has beaten Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham this season.
The Wolves are capable of a result but this is a must-win match for City and the odds are certainly in their favor. The visitors are -375 favorites and the spread is set at 1½ goals. Despite the Wolves’ ability to hang with the big boys, Man City are seen as more likely to cover the spread, at -130. If Wolves are able to manage a result, the title race will be wide open once again, but City were excellent on Sunday and could carry that form over to midweek.
For EPL betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
