Overview
Wolves' 2024-2025 campaign is like a two-round match. The first half was a loose defensive period and disappointing press conferences under coach Gary O'Neil.
The second half was a spectacular "rescue", perfectly staged by successor Vitor Pereira. This strategist has given Wolves fans a reason to be optimistic thanks to his intelligence and understanding.
When Pereira was appointed Wolves head coach last December, the team was 19th in the Premier League table. They have only 9 points after 16 matches and conceded 40 goals - the worst defensive record in the league.
However, the "Wolves" ended the season with 17 points more than the relegated team, and at the same time became an extremely difficult team to defeat.
It was an impressive turning point and Pereira's success deserves to be considered one of the most remarkable victories of English football in recent years.
The Portuguese tactician's current challenge for the club is to maintain that form despite the departure of three key players - Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Nelson Semedo. These are all people who contributed greatly to last season's achievements.
Wolves do not spend too much in the transfer market. They have officially bought Jorgen Strand Larsen from Celta Vigo, the striker who scored 14 goals in his first Premier League season when playing for Wolves on loan.
The Wolves continue to " knock on" Celta's door for the second time to get Fer Lopez, a potential young attacking midfielder. In addition, Jhon Arias - the striker who impressed at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 last summer in the Fluminense shirt - is also expected to make an impact.
Wolves fans will soon meet Ait-Nouri again at Molineux, as the Argentine defender is likely to start for Manchester City.
If he takes up the pitch, Ait-Nouri will become the fourth player in Premier League history to debut for Man City against his former club, after Danny Granville (against Leeds in 2000), Tommy Wright (against Newcastle in 2000) and cra cra cra cra Bellamy (against Newcastle in 2009).
After being left empty-handed last season - for the first time since 2016-2017, Pep Guardiola's first year in charge - Man City will be determined to forget failure and aim for a strong start. New football director Hugo Viana quickly took action to refresh the squad.
In addition to Ait-Nouri, Man City has also recruited Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and James Trafford. At the same time, they will maintain their relationship with Gianluigi Donnarumma and Rodrygo in the event of Ederson and Savinho leaving the Etihad.
In addition to the departure of key players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker, and the loan of Jack Grealish to Everton, The Citizens expect the new squad to bring a fresh vitality, enough to compete in all competitions.
The 2025-2026 season will mark the ninth consecutive year that Man City have started away from home, but that has never slowed down their steps. In fact, they have won their opening Premier League games in 13/14 of their most recent seasons, except for the 2021 defeat to Tottenham.
Man City's start to the season has been even more impressive, including August. The 2021 loss to Spurs was their only defeat in their last 31 Premier League games this month. Notably, they have won all 8 of their most recent matches in August, scoring 25 goals and conceding only 5.
In contrast, Wolves have lost their opening four seasons in a row, after an 8-season unbeaten run from 2013 to 2020.
Head-to-head record
Wolves have lost nine of their last 10 Premier League meetings with Man City (W1). Their only win in this period came at Molineux, when Gary O'Neil's side beat their opponents 2-1 in September 2023.
In the last 5 seasons in the Premier League, Man City has won the most (4) and scored the most (4) against Wolves at Molineux. Their record at this stage is 4 wins, 1 loss, 14 goals and 5 goals conceded.
The match between Wolves and Man City takes place at 11:30 p.m. on August 16 (Vietnam time).
