The Premier League action continues as Manchester City welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Etihad Stadium on Friday, May 2, 2025, for their Matchday 35 encounter. With the Citizens fighting for Champions League qualification and Wolves riding high on confidence after securing their Premier League status, this match promises plenty of excitement for football fans.
City vs Wolves
Manchester City Current Form
Manchester City currently sit fourth in the Premier League table as they continue their push for Champions League football next season. Pep Guardiola’s men have been in solid form recently, taking 10 points from their last four Premier League matches.
The Citizens come into this game following a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, which should give them confidence heading into this crucial league fixture. However, they haven’t been the dominant force we’ve grown accustomed to seeing in recent seasons.
City have shown vulnerability on the counter-attack in recent matches, often riding their luck when teams attack through the middle. This defensive fragility could be exploited by a Wolves side growing in confidence with each passing week.
The absence of key players has been a factor in City’s inconsistent season. While Ederson should be back between the posts, the team will still be without star striker Erling Haaland and defensive midfielder Rodri, who is out for the season. Nathan Ake also remains sidelined, further depleting Guardiola’s defensive options.
Wolverhampton’s Impressive Run
Wolverhampton Wanderers arrive at the Etihad Stadium as one of the form teams in the Premier League. Vitor Pereira’s men are enjoying a remarkable five-game winning streak, which includes impressive victories over Tottenham Hotspur at home and Manchester United at Old Trafford.
This outstanding run has helped Wolves climb to 15th in the table, level on 38 points with both Everton and Manchester United. With their Premier League status secured for another season, Wolves can play with freedom and without pressure – a dangerous proposition for any opponent.
Wolves’ attacking threats have been key to their recent success. Matheus Cunha and Jorgen Strand Larsen have been in excellent form, while the potential returns of Hwang Hee-chan and Jean-Ricner Belegarde will further bolster their offensive options.
Statistics for this match:
Manchester City have generally had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning their last two encounters against Wolves. However, Wolverhampton have shown they can upset the Citizens, having secured a memorable 2-1 victory at Molineux earlier in the 2023/24 season.
The Wolves faithful will also remember their team’s last victory at the Etihad Stadium, which came back in October 2019 – evidence that they’re capable of causing problems on City’s home turf.
Why Both Teams Will Score
Our prediction for this match is Both Teams To Score, and there are several compelling reasons to support this outcome.
Manchester City’s attacking prowess remains formidable despite their personnel issues. Even without Haaland, they continue to create numerous chances and find the back of the net regularly. However, their defensive frailties have been evident throughout the season, with the team often looking vulnerable when opponents counter-attack with pace.
Wolves have proven themselves to be dangerous going forward during their current winning streak. Their probability of scoring stands at an impressive 64% according to recent statistical analysis, highlighting their offensive threat. The pace and directness of players like Cunha and Strand Larsen make them particularly dangerous on the break, precisely the type of attacking approach that has troubled City this season.
Furthermore, Wolves have nothing to lose in this fixture. With safety secured, they can play with freedom and expression, which typically leads to more adventurous attacking play. City, meanwhile, need the points to secure their Champions League position, which could leave them exposed as they push for victory.
What is the prediction?
While Manchester City remain favorites to win this encounter, with probability models giving them around a 70% chance of victory, we believe both teams will find the back of the net at the Etihad Stadium.
City’s combination of attacking quality and defensive vulnerability, coupled with Wolves’ excellent form and counter-attacking threat, creates the perfect recipe for goals at both ends. Back Both Teams To Score for what should be an entertaining Premier League clash.
Summary
Match: Manchester City vs Wolverhampton
Bet: BTTS Yes
Odds : -129.87/1.77
