The most interesting thing about this game probably won’t be the result, but how Wolves approach the challenge.
In the League Cup tie at the Etihad last season, they defended the width of their penalty area, rode their luck then probably should have won with the string of clear chances squandered on the break, mainly by Bright Enobakhare.
There was a strange dynamic to that game as City fielded something close to their first team and Wolves rested nearly all their best players, making the goalless scoreline all the more remarkable.
As Premier League equals (in status alone) on their own ground, you would expect Nuno to show more adventure in general play, but the same levels of focus and discipline will be required, particularly out of possession.
Man City
Prior to last season I thought it was impossible for any team to command the top flight in the style of Fergie’s Utd or (more fleetingly) Wenger’s Arsenal and Mourinho’s Chelsea.
But 32 wins from 38 Premier League games, just 2 defeats, 100 points and 106 goals is domination like we’ve never seen before.
Yes, it’s the greatest coach in the world armed with all the money but it’s still remarkable just how much better than everyone else they’ve been over the last 12 months in such a competitive environment.
Huddersfield were mauled last time out and the 6-1 scoreline probably flattered them, given that City had 77% possession and 32 shots on goal. Sterling, Sane, Walker and record signing Riyad Mahrez weren’t in the starting XI and Kevin De Bruyne didn’t feature at all.
The Belgian midfielder is out for a few months injured but you sense that City can cope easily even without one of the best players in world football.
The away end
Thanks to Reeves Guyton from Man City site Bitter & Blue for answering my questions and offering the following perspective ahead of the weekend’s game.
1. It’s still early days but Man City are looking even more imperious than last season. Do you feel like anyone can get close to you in the league?
Obviously I’m biased, but I don’t think it will be particularly close. I do think it will be closer than last season though. Manchester City improved over the summer but other squads have too, Liverpool being the obvious example. City won’t go on a magical run like last year but it won’t necessarily be their fault. All Premier League managers watched City lose to Liverpool last year, which showed how Pep’s possession football can be exposed. I think many clubs will try to replicate it this year. Only a few have the talent to replicate the game plan though which is why I think City still win the league comfortably.
2. Riyad Mahrez was the only major summer signing. Were you happy with his capture and do you think the club were right not to do more business?
I have been vocal about not spending a lot of money and focusing more of our money into wages so I think the club was right in not doing much business. City were looking for a holding midfielder to add depth behind Fernandinho but the money didn’t line up unfortunately. Mahrez fills City’s desperate need for a third winger as Bernardo Silva was out of position last year fulfilling that role. He’s played well in his appearances so far for City but hopefully gets even more playing time and can recapture his form from his POTY campaign.
3. Speaking of transfers, you’ve been tentatively linked with a move for our star man Ruben Neves. Do you think City could benefit from another holding midfielder?
City could certainly benefit from another holding midfielder, especially a young one like Neves. I don’t see it happening for a couple of reasons though. First, I think Wolves will ask for a higher price than City is willing to pay. He was already bought by Wolves for £15 million and his performances in the Championship coupled with his age will skyrocket the price to over double £15 million. Another reason I don’t see it happening is his agent or Wolves trying to block it. Not necessarily because of money but because of playing time. It would benefit Neves to stay at Wolves and start for the majority of the season and then transfer next summer. His price would get even higher and he would get more experience in a top league which he would need.
4. City look so strong all over the pitch and after the battering handed out to Huddersfield, it’s hard not to feel intimidated. How do you think Wolves should setup to try avoid a similar fate and maybe even sneak a result?
I said it earlier and it’s usually my answer to this question: Copy Liverpool. Liverpool handed City 3 devastating losses last year and in each loss they used the same tactics. Pressure, Pressure, Pressure! They pressured almost as well as Pep’s teams usually do and it caused City to lose the ball a lot. If Wolves want to draw or win, they must pressure City, especially with their forwards.
5. What do you make of Wolves? Do you think they have what it takes to make a lasting impression on the Premier League?
I think they’re a great team. They dominated the Championship last year and played the most exciting football in the league. They have a wonderful attack but unfortunately I think their lack of top flight experience will ultimately hinder them. I still think they will finish around mid table but it’s possible they could finish in the top 6/8.
6. Finally, what’s your prediction for the game?
I don’t think it will be nearly as bad as the Huddersfield game so realistically, I think it will be 4-2. I think it will be an attacking game with both defenses faltering and City eventually pulling away.
Wolves
Given the unique nature of the challenge I wonder if Nuno has some tactical change up his sleeve or whether he’ll just believe the same group that performed so well in the early parts of the Leicester game can do so again?
I do think Traore will start after impressing in the second half at the King Power. Our attack has lacked a direct threat in the two games thus far with Costa and Jota struggling to really impose themselves.
Still not sure how close to selection Dendoncker is but if he’s fit and ready, he could come into the team. Similarly Romain Saiss might be used if Nuno wants to adjust the shape or feels more physicality in the middle of the park is required.
The Poll
Predictions
Well done to Ash K, PeteRobbo, Shready and the Brierley Bonkers who are setting the pace at the top of the Prediction League with 5 points from 2 matches.
You can view the full standings as of the end of Gameweek 2 here.
If you’d like to join in, it’s still not too late. Simply leave your prediction in the comment section below using the boxes provided. It’s 3 points if you get the correct score and 2 if you get the correct outcome. Use a consistent email address for all your predictions in game previews to ensure your score is tracked correctly in table.
As always, you can read my prediction for the game in the comment section below.
Up The Wolves!
Not often do I get first go.
Keeping it simple and based on last year’s result and blind optimism
In some ways I think we’re better equipped than most to combat the tidal wave of attack we can expect on Saturday.
But I think we look too fragile in defence to feel confident about a positive result, so I’m going for an honourable defeat.
City will expect a walk in the park.
Nuno will have the boys in the park bushes, ready to mug ‘em.
Too many teams are overawed by City, and try to limit damage instead of inflict it.
Positive attitude, pace up front, Kompany is a carthorse now, and get Sterling whining early doors, and we can win this.
If Diogo and Helder cannot be up for this game, there is something wrong.
This is the match to shine in, to show the world our true quality and true intentions.
We want to be the best, we have to beat the best of the rest.
New shirt, lucky socks and full English at 6.30 on Sat. morning, and first win three points two hours later!
5-1
FOwb
An absolute stone cold home banker this one!
City have now lost their ‘keeper as well as K de B, so at both ends of the pitch we’ll be all over ’em.
Am I only saying this because I’ve put money on us to win (at 10-1 for God’s sake)?
Well, yes actually.
I ‘m hoping for a huge performance from us. High and hard pressing from the first whistle, and never giving up.
If that’s the case we might actually get a draw out of it.
Am I only saying that because I’ve also put (rather more) money on us drawing (at 4-1)?
Yep!
Having said all that I am really looking forward to seeing our boys taking on the best team in Europe. It will give us an idea of just how far we need to go to attain that status.
I’m sticking to my go-to prediction so far this season.
A draw.
Although I’m perfectly prepared to gain no points – again.
…Well…. we might beat them.
Can’t wait.
City haven’t lost their keeper, they lost their backup keeper. Or am I wrong?
You’re quite right Tim.
I wondered if anybody would spot that.
I smell an upset , every body including the city players are expecting an easy win but we won’t make it easy for them at our pad .
Traore to rip a couple of new backsides off the city defence and increase his value to around 50 mill with Jota and Jiminez to score
Cor wait
Utw
Can’t see us winning 8-1 again but also cannot see them thrashing us. Realistically I think the outcome will be a defeat for us but as long as we give a good account of ourselves I will be satisfied.
A draw would be a fantastic bonus point, but hopefully we don’t get ranked by a team that could emphasize our wobbly defensive start to the season.
Nothing to fear massive home backing our boys will be up for this just hope City do not get a couple of early goals.
City are a class act and i expect them to turn us over pretty easily (no shame in that by the way). What i want to see is the players working hard and not gifting anything to them. If we make them work hard and offer a threat in the final third Ill be happy as this is the classic free hit from our perspective.
I said before the Leicester game that it might take time to transition to the Premier League, and early signs suggest that’ll be the case. I wasn’t at the King Power but it sounds as if we dominated in the main, only to be sucker punched by two fortuitous goals.
That suggests to me we have the ability to play our style of football at a higher level, but may lack the ‘street smarts’ needed to see out results at this stage. Something to improve on, but we all know Nuno is capable of coming up with solutions to tactical quandaries.
Under any other manager I’d be worried about the start we’ve made, but nothing phases me with the current manager. He’s a top, top coach and will get us going eventually.
In a way, this game is the ideal opportunity to do just that. We’ll be expected to lose so will be playing without pressure, something which in hindsight I think affected our performance levels against Everton.
The manager is a football purist so will definitely play for three points, but we’re going to have to do that without seeing much of the ball. For that reason I think he may keep Costa in and play Traore as a wing-back, with a view to hitting City on the break. Saiss and Dendoncker are candidates to come in at Moutinho’s expense also.
Ultimately, I think City will have too much for us on this occasion. They were awesome against Arsenal and Huddersfield and are the clear favourites to win the league. A good performance and the respite of an international break could be the catalyst for our first victories though, especially seeing as West Ham and Burnley have made less than impressive starts to the season.
UTW x
Interesting comments in Q5 re pressurising City into mistakes like Liverpool did.
We’re not a team that presses an awful lot, which worries me, but can see us being right up for this. If we could somehow sneak ahead 1-0, with a rocking Molineux behind the lads, you never know…
I am away for this one; don’t know if that will be a blessing or a missing of one of our great days to be honest.
Should be a straight forward win for City, but, hopefully, football does not always follow the script.
Would like to see Saiss in midfield for this game, but how can you leave Moutinho out; pure class. But the team ought to come first!
Hope you all enjoy the game; I’ll be on tenterhooks until the final whistle; what a game to miss!
Early days yet, Wolves still getting out of the blocks at Crystal Palace Athletics stadium instead of last years Aldersley, but get there we shall. It’s a marathon not a sprint.
I fancy Wolves to start kicking in very soon, so I’m going for a tight fought game, with us snatching it with a Jonny goal.
Wolves 1
Man City 0
I take it everyone else is still having to fill in their names and e-mail every time, not just me.
Lovin Jiminez.
Come on me Bambinos.
Can’t speak for the others Stu, but I am, yes.
Thanks Steve, thought we’d sorted this out! Ah well, progress is a backward step.
And me, also, too, as well, plus.
Just had to do it again, to comment on it!
Same thing for me, details had to be typed in again, although they appear as prompts in the process.
I suspect we’re in for a very difficult game, and City are the team we wish to be a few years from now. That said there is a gulf between us, but thats not huge in the 11 on the pitch, but the quality and quantity of the players from 12 to 30 that they have at their disposal is far better than anyone else can call upon, hence their ability to rotate and no one notices the difference at all.
I think if we’re honest we’d take a draw all day if offered it now as that’s a great result for us others have said this game is a free hit.
Hope Nuno goes all out to press and attack City as that’s the best form of defence. We did well against them in the Cup, but Bright barn door and banjo come to mind, otherwise we could and should have won that game.
I just dont see our midfield and defence being able to cope with their speed of movement, thought and quality, I think we will probably lose.
We’ll stifle City and hit them on the break. Bennett to man-mark Aguero and this time we have Jiminez doing the one-on-ones and not Bright, glass is half full with nothing to lose…..
Now this one could be an upset
will go for the draw but have a had £5 on The Mighty Wolves at 10/1
As much as I’d love to see us scrape out a 0-0, better teams than Wolves will get thumped by City this season. Will chuck a fiver on a Wolves win as I’m a dreamer, but realistically I can’t see us getting anything out of this game.
We’re much better than the last results indicates. They can’t stop Traore, which mean chances for him or the other attackers. Man city’s first defeat.
That Leicester game was a real sickener. I don’t think we’ll get thrashed by City a la Huddersfield, but we will be well beaten.
Moutinho has played well so far, but I fear a midfield of him and Neves will be too easy for City to cut through and maybe a more physical holding player (Dendoncker, Saiss) needs to come in for this game.
Of course, there can only be one winner, and that ain’t us. Citeh hold all the cards. Huge resources, great manager, top players and years of Premier League experience. We have two games of Premier League experience. But the rest if it….we got it too. Fosuns billions, Nuno, Neves, Jiminez, Patricio, Moutinho etc, etc.
And we’ve got something they haven’t got. Molineux, where the golden horde will carry our heroes on, the pack will be baying for blood.
Bear your fangs you mighty Wolves, show the infiltrators where the real strength lies. A vision of the future for all those lucky enough to witness it.
Looking forward to this one coz I think you will go for it and give us a game. Unfortunately for your lads this plays right into our hands but it will make for an entertaining game and I am sure that is what everyone wants.
Good luck guys and lets hope we all go home saying what an amazing game of football we have just witnessed.
You’ll find that going at us, plays into our hands too.
All the best to you City but the odds were against us in 1974 league cup final but we beat you.
Wolves Aye We
Thanks for your comment City fan. I like it when opposing fans come on here and post without being nasty. I too hope for a good game, obviously hoping for a Wolves win. I see it being a high scoring game, with Sterling getting frustrated and receiving a red card, and Wolves taking advantage of your 10 men at last!
In another universe, Wolves would be sitting pretty with two wins to the good. They should have beaten both 10-men Everton and 10-men Leicester. But not in this one.
In some universe, Wolves would pull an upset on Saturday and beat City. Let’s hope it’s this one!
Go Wolves!
They got beat twice last season so no reason for this Saturday not to be the 1st of this season. They’re not perfect; only almost. What better way to let the Premiership teams know that we have arrived and are up for a scrap.
I said before
We played poorly against Everton but took our chances
We played superbly against Leicester and didn’t take our chances
We shall play well on Saturday and take our chances
Watch out city
There’s wolves at your door !
You may say I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one.
John Lennon’s words are so apt for this game. Come 2.30pm Saturday I don’t expect my P/L losing streak to be improved in the slightest but I can dream.
Hope to catch up with a few of you in the APV prematch and possibly NBB postmatch.
I think the fact we won’t have any pressure given that it’s city will mean the lads play with more freedom. I reckon we can sneak this one late on.
As much as it hurts to say it I cannot see further than an emphatic City win, not that we are a poor team, but simply because City are in class higher than anything else in the Premier league currently.
Happy with Neves and Moutinho . . . . . . I think. They will help us hold onto the ball so hopefully we won’t have to win it back so many times. With a flat back four I can see the argument for playing someone to win the ball and help protect the centre backs but this is a totally different set up. Neves can stick his foot in.
I don’t know where Traore fits into a possession based game but he will frighten the shit out of any defender. Happy to see him one on one against anyone.
My heart suggests we could nick it but my head says otherwise.
The only way we will get anything out of this game would be if we employed a brickie and bricked up the goals at both ends.
Even then Citee would find some way to score.
Citee is where Wolves will be in 5 years time.
Crowd should be up for it, but not enough… need those first 3 pts soon…
Worried about this one. Some of the optimism has faded a touch, and despite not thinking we’re in for a relegation scrap, I can’t see us having more than a couple of points on the board before the international break. Hope I’m wrong though! I would want to see Saïss next to Neves for this one, but again, I don’t think Nuno will bring Moutinho out just yet. I’m not saying stubbornness, but maybe his belief in him is a tad misguided just yet. Can’t see us worrying them until the forwards start clicking, and our defence isn’t filling me with confidence. Don’t mean to be a party pooper, but I don’t think Saturday will be much fun for us. And I’ve put a fiver on us to win, just to balance this out!
I told everyone who cared to listen that Wolves play LIQUID football, silky smooth and very fluid! Not much on display against Everton, but real glimpses of it against Leicester! If we play LIQUID football,and possession based, we can get something from this game!
It will be interesting to see how City cope with Traore. If he can cause them a few problems we might just scramble a draw out of this one. Here’s hoping.
2-1 Wolves.
And what’s this rumour I hear about Saisse going to Forest?
It’s a rumour Tim. He’s going nowhere.
Easy home win in fact a bit of a practice this is where we say it all happend since we beat Man Shity…
.Penalty Neves Costa off the post
Their goal an offside one ..
F*** em..
Obviously this is a really tough game, but I’ve got a sneaky feeling a 3.2 win for Wolves.
I think they’ll turn up thinking that this will be a walk in the park, so our boys will be fired up, and surprise them.
I’ve seen enough in the last 2 games to know that we’ll be ok.
We’ll surprise a few of the top 6 Cabal this season, hopefully starting on Saturday.
I think we’ll continue to play well, but just lack both that defensive sureness and striking deftness to get a win. Another loss will leave us with one point out of nine, but we’ll pick up soon, as our new players begin to wake up to the Premier League and start to gel.
I can’t forecast a loss, so how about a hard fought 2-2 ?
We’re gonna win and we’re gonna be awesome and I’m gonna get drunker than I am now.
A pulsating Molineux will be astonished by the overnight news that the City squad is decimated by a vomiting virus leaving them scrabbling around for some players. Luckily they find celebrity super fans the Gallagher brothers and Little and Large are available. Pep has little option but to play Little and Large up front with the Oasis stars in midfield. The game kicks off and within 5 minutes Liam and Noel are squaring up to each other after Noel free kick sails high and wide. ‘Eh you fookin bell end why didn’t you square it to me’ ‘fookoff knob ed. And you are a shite singer’. Inevitably they start scrapping and the Ref send them off. Citeh are down to 9 men and Eddie Large is tempted up front by a cornish pasty thrown to him by the South Bank. Large just can’t help himself and nips off the pitch to get brown sauce. Pep is clearly not impressed and chases Eddie in to the canteen. City now with a decimated midfield and just Syd Little up front are in chaos and Wolves step up their game with some brilliant football. City still manage a great chance but as the ball comes across to Syd Littles head his glasses fall off and Adama Traore accidentally treads on them. Whilst fortune deserted WWFC last week the God’s are smiling on them now and they triumph 3-2. Despite late pressure from City and an Eddie Large goal when the ball resembles a large chocolate cake and he hurls himself towards it and it smashes in to the net. A hugely entertaining game ends 3-2 to WWFC. After the game Nuno said ‘I don’t want to mention luck but we had some this week and you need some breaks to beat City. Brilliant atmosphere. Brilliant’. Pep said ‘that the last time Eddie Large plays for me. You need to concentrate 100% not tuck in to Cornish pasties half way through. And Syd Little was shit as well but we move on’.
Brilliant Stuff there!
Made me laugh, which is always good!
😉
Gorra av a loff ay ya chap. Life too short ay it!
Brilliant Cheesy, but I think you’ve underestimated Sid Little ‘s contribution to Pep’s juggernaut. So unfortunately Citeh will shade it.
Hope I’m wrong.
COMBs!
Alright WWW. I wasn’t sure if Syd Little was still alive . But was sure the knowledgeable bloggers on here would soon let me know if he was dead. Perhaps a 4-0 win to Wolves may well finish him off. It might finish me off come to think of it. The one good thing about tomorrow is that come 2.30- win or lose – it means an entire afternoon and evening available for beer drinking. So, WIN OR LOSE-STILL ON THE BOOZE sums it up. All the best chap.
Thanks Cheesy – just checked on Wikipedia and both Syd and Eddie are still alive ! I wasn’t sure either.
Enjoy your afternoon on the sauce, mate.
UTW!
This is gonna be real tough I can’t see anything other than a loss, that’s not knocking us it’s just they are so much better than almost every team. The worrying part for me is 1 point after 3 games 2 of which are at home. Having said that it’s a free hit against City as they will smash most teams this season.
If we are to get anything out the game we have to be really tight at the back and use traore pace to hit them on the counter.
Good luck lads I think we may need it.
Feeling lucky …. bring back Saville and I’d make it 2-0
its a game that no one expects us to win, even a point seems beyond reach so what the hell, just go for it.
If we lose, no problem as long as we have given everything trying to win. Play with freedom and without fear, that’s all that one can ask, we will support you no matter what. I remember playing a good Southampton side many years ago and we lost 5 – 0 at home but we played really well. It seemed that every time they had a shot at goal, they scored, I think we hit the post and their goalie played a blinder but the crowd were fantastic, they appreciated the effort put in and the noise level increased every time they scored. At the end of the game their manager was full of praise for the unwavering suport given by the Wolves fans that day, he had never heard such noise even at 5-0 and said at any other club, the fans would be baying for the managers head. We can give it a good go on Saturday and might lose but we will win the battle of the supporters, it will be our voices ringing out over Molinuex no matter what the result.
I thought it was 6-0 actually, but I see where you’re coming from.
I remember that game well, although we lost 5-0 I told my daughter we’d played well and backed us to win the next match and we did.She was impressed. Forgot who we played.
We haven’t lost 2 games on the trot under Nino so hopefully we can keep that run going. Don’t know why but I fancy us to shock them Saturday 2-1 wolves
I have a feeling in my water, we a going to sneak a win, 1-0,
Just going to loo to double check
For precedents think of Dangerous Dave firing the winner past Joe H.
Or Waggy et al beating the all conquering double winning Arsenal 5-1
However, I’ll be realistic for a change but really hoping to be wrong!
Sorry if this has been posted before
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TXi0Fnrx8NQ#
The boy will definitely disrupt any opposition, even city. He will either get through them or win the set pieces we need to upset the odds. If Pat and the boys keeps it tight at the other end we might just have the recipe required.
We were very unlucky last week and deserved at least a point, the signs of improvement were there. It would be great to get a point out of this game but I think City are still head and shoulders above the rest this season so it will be a good insight to how good we are and what we can expect looking forward.
Well we could have done with a different fixture to this right now. I’m concerned that our much heralded attacking players – Jota and Costa, have been nowhere near their best so far. Either that or they’re just not the same in the PL as they were in the Championship.
On top of that we’ve also been very fragile defensively and, as I’ve mentioned before, we seem unable to establish control of the midfield. Add to that the fact that we’re playing the best team in the league by a margin and I find it hard to be optimistic.
So I’m sorry to come across as a perennial doom and gloom merchant but I have to say that I cannot see anything other than a comprehensive City win here. It’s possible that the team will feel they having nothing to lose in this one and therefore play with less tension. I hope that will be the case obviously, but I’m not confident of seeing it.
Hoping the bad luck we had last week evens out for us this week. We will show glimpses of the club we want to be (or already have become), but will probably leave empty handed in another promising and honourable performance
City will prove too strong I am afraid. It won’t be a big loss though. Still hoping for a surprise. This is football.
Squeaky bums all round, but a big result to send us into the West ham game
We just need to get this out of the way. I am sure we will do our best but this is not going to be our day.
Nuno might slot Bennet into right back this time. Perhaps Doherty could be deployed up front to get on the end of one of Adama’s crosses for a Steven Fletcher-style bullet header opening.
Oh ye of little faith! As long as we do not show them too much respect, get in their faces and as they say in Dads Army ‘ they don’t like it up em’ we may well prevail. I think this match is when it will all come together after the two false dawns of Everton and Leicester. I think we will win 2 – 1 UTW. Londiswolf.
Hoping to give a good performance of ourselves, not to be over-awed and I will be happy with a draw. This should be a good test for our (dubious!) defence as well. Going 2 – 2 but praying for a win.
We are on the improve, but alas we are nowhere near these guys (yet). I was thinking of a 3-1 or 3-0 loss but so many said the same, so I am sticking my neck out with a different scoreline.
Wrong match at the wrong time. Having said that, we went to City last season with a team that included Norris, Batth, Price, Marshall, N’Diaye, Vinagre, Bright and Helder Costa (who was in the early stages of coming back from injury). And we nearly won against a team that included Jesus, Aguero, Sterling, Gundogan, Touré, Danilo and Bernardo later strengthened by subs de Bruyne, Stones, Walker and Sané. So its not a write-off.
I guess Nuno will stick with our 3-4-3 reverting to 5-4-1 when City (as they will) eventually dominate possession just like last season. The 2 questions are how will he look to contain City’s attack (use Saiss, Dendoncker ?) and who will he look to to lead the counter attacks (Jimenez, Traore ?)
If we give a good account of ourselves I’ll be happy. Apparently statistically we have the toughest start of all the Prem teams (E&S) so even a loss would not be a disaster, given that we will soon have much easier fixtures to look forward to.
Can’t realistically see us getting a result. But saying that I think we will create 1-2 very good chances we must take and defend extremely well. Can’t back against a Wolves win ultimately though.
Anyone into this kind of analysis..?
https://twitter.com/marktaylor0/status/1031650721911848961?s=21
https://twitter.com/11tegen11/status/1030848533245640705?s=21
Pretty good predictor of whereabouts you finish up though there’s always a few teams who defy the models (Burnley in the prem last year and Reading in the championship the year before). Still, it’s a clear indicator of how you’re playing, and suggests the results will come for us if we carry on as we’ve started.
I doubt that will be true on saturday but I can’t bring myself to predict a defeat for this team, so points shared for me.
The Mol will be rocking for this one. Matches don’t come any bigger. It’s time for Costa and Jota to man up. I think Pep’s little mind games about signing Neves might just backfire. Neves will want to live up to that billing. I fancy an early goal for Wolves, followed by a second when City leave themselves exposed by counterattacking. City to go at us hammer and tongs after that with maybe a consolation goal.
I have a general question.
Why are wingbacks considered midfielders when describing the formation as 3-4-3?
Probably because they fill the role of both wingers and full-backs. As such they can’t be classed purely as either defenders or attackers, so midfielders is the obvious category for them.
Two weeks running we’ve failed to beat 10 men so here’s hoping the referee sends two of the buggers off! Early!!
Wolves v Manchester City
Well it won’t get much tougher than this bloggers. In this fledgling Premier League season Manchester City are already setting the pace and their 6-1 thrashing of (admittedly a very wimpish and naive Huddersfield) serves to remind the footballing world that the champions have started as they finished last season – blasting all and sundry in their path on their way to what will probably be another title. Even without the highly influential and technically brilliant Kevin De Bruyne for the next few weeks I really cannot see another team challenging this very expensive assembled side with the possible exception of Liverpool.
I was at Leicester last Saturday and as I said to a Leicester supporter on the train afterwards – sometimes it’s far better to be lucky than good. A phrase repeated verbatim on Sky Sports News on Sunday morning. We mullered ‘em but it just reinforced the old adage – you simply have to score when on top. Two freak goals right against the run of play and bingo we had a mountain to climb.
On Saturday lunchtime surely Traore has to start. He mesmerised the Leicester defence in the second half and created chances which the likes of Bonatini failed to capitalise.
So what tactics to Wolves employ verses the best side in the league? Well last season we did brilliantly to hold them to a goalless draw in the league cup and actually had the clearest chances including 3 “one on ones”. But this is the main course………………….not the hors oeuvres.
However I firmly believe we have to try and take the game to City, easier said than done I know. Their strength is undoubtedly midfield and attack – of that there is no question. Inviting them onto us will be a recipe for a thrashing particularly if we concede an early goal and frankly I don’t think we have the defensive qualities to cope with such mobile players as Silva, Aguero and Jesus in full cry never mind the likes of Sterling, Sane and Mahrez all of whom started on the bench on Sunday! We must try and open them up especially down the flanks, which is where the pace of Traore will of great benefit and I think we can expose the defensive frailties of Laporte, Stone and Walker by getting forward in numbers. Jimenez – your time has come bud! Guardiola has spent more on football defence in 12 months than 52 countries spent on military defence but I think it is still their Achilles heel as exposed by Liverpool last season when Klopp threw caution to the wind. If we are to go down lets go down having a go – if you get my drift.
However what the hell do I know – sweet FA to be honest! Nuno rules and he will know how to beat ‘em……
Head to head Wolves v Manchester City has produced a staggering amount of goals. Across 111 fixtures in all competitions 428 goals have been netted – virtually 4 per game.
Both teams have enjoyed resounding victories.
I mentioned the 8-1 a couple of weeks ago but we have also thrashed them 8-0, 5-1 (three times) 7-2, 7-3, 6-1, 6-4, 4-1 etc. On the other hand City have mullered us 5-0, 5-1, 6-0, 6-1 and an unbelievable amount of 4-1’s and 4-0’s.
Head to head City – 45 victories and Wolves 43 victories.
All this means sod all of course – absolutely nowt. Now it’s all down to 12.30 on Saturday.
With a little bit of the lady luck that so deserted us at the King Power combined with a following wind, fingers and toes crossed, lucky underpants, shirts and shorts, pace in our attack, an “off day” in their attack, Neves matching Fernandinho, a horseshoe hanging in our changing room and a broken mirror in theirs I take Wolves to win 6-5. In our first Premier Season (2003/04) our first of just 7 victories came against Manchester City. Lightning does strike twice on occasions….
Whatever happens one of the principal reasons we are in the greed league is to witness some of the finest players on the planet and to pit our wits against them and on Saturday this is the opportunity to do both: and for Nuno to try and out-master “the master” Guardiola.
Enjoy Saturday bloggers. For those watching on Sky – no hiding behind the sofa – remember those of us at a very noisy Molineux do not have this option.
BOG
You could be right if we repaint the away dressing room pink and rearrange the furniture to stop Pep’ tactical team talk.
UTW!
Tough day at the office
They’re a class apart and may even go through the season with close to 38 wins.
One thing for certain is our boys will give 100%. They played some excellent stuff v Leicester and I was particularly impressed with Jimenez, he does look very decent.
It’s an away banker and, apart from on here, we have been given not much a chance of victory.
No getting away that City are head & shoulders above every team in this league but that does not make them invincible, just rather hard to beat! 🙂
Should be a few goals in this game and hopefully an entertaining match.
I would love our boys to come out on top but I think our first 3 points won’t be this Saturday.
Onward’s & Upwards
🙂
Like last time out, I think we will put up a fight against the superior team in the league. So much so, that I fancy us to take the lead – maybe from a set piece with Raul adding another to his tally. However, I think City will strengthen as the game goes on and therefore run out victors in the end
First match of the weekend and a strong home crowd leads to a confident victory.
This one game a week is giving us such a lot of time to prepare .. something we didn’t get last season.
I am optimistic on this one we are not too far away from clicking it all together and I really feel the extra prep could already have made the difference.
Bad luck to dissapear and good luck to re appear .
We do have the players to make the difference.
We should be respectful of but not overawed by City, we were deservedly champions last season and have strengthened in key areas. If we show the grit and determination as we did at Bristol and Cardiff away, pressing high and with a large slice of luck, who knows. The 12th man will raise the roof and provided we do not concede an early goal, I fancy Traore to do a ‘Steve Mardenborough’ in the second half and City will break themselves against ourour inspired back 3. Time to roll up the sleeves!
The first biggy of the season, Citey won’t know whats hit them.
P.S. This Blog is not the same without Bedders, COYW.
I’m working on him, Witters, but you know what these Suvverners are like!!
Cor blimey, leave it out mate !
I just hope we give them a game and are not out of it by half time. Even with my most rose-tinted glasses on I still struggle to see us getting anything.
Quite a variation in score predictions and outcomes for this match so far. I fear City will expose our frailties and shortcomings. We will improve results and performances – but it won’t start this Saturday.
Never knew there were so many demented people as myself!
Bonatini to score the winner.
This is one of those moments when without much thought most of us would plump for a mullering from a rampant Citeh team seemingly destined to be champions after just two games into the season.
BUT …. looking at things more optimistically I really can perceive a draw or home win.
The reason this is the case is that we still have the tactical nous to play exactly as we did at the Etihad stadium last season but instead of Enobakhare…we’ve got Traore….. the bull in the china shop.
Here we have a player who is a genuine outlet, a threat on the break and more than capable of scoring on the break.
And it’s this scenario that I feel will be followed on Saturday…… Wolves playing a defensive formation and catching them on the break.
It’s what Nuno came up with in the Carabao cup and one I think he’s likely to persevere with on Saturday. …
Such a lot depends on us scoring first and so changing the dynamic of the game…. conceding early would however be a disaster.
I’m going for the former and a well earned draw with Raul and Neves on the scoresheet.
I’m going to predict a Wolves win (at West Ham probably) but this will be too much too early so:
If we are going to stand a chance of an up set the defence has to be up for it and get as close to City as possible NO backing off get real tight to them and frustrate them.
I was watching the Everton and Leicester games again and Coady backed off in both of those games for Everton’s secound and Leicester’s secound goals. And before people start telling me how marvellous he’s been I know BUT that was the Championship he needs to up his game and he’s not the only one.
Having said that I can see an up set I think someone will get the back lash from our first 2 games why not city.
I would really love it if we could manage to get our first win on Saturday, but common sense (and prediction league points) prevail. I really wouldn’t surprise me if we managed to get a draw, but head rules over heart. First goal though is vital.
Looking back over the years I think I’d have to nominate City as the opposing team I’ve most enjoyed watching (at Molineux, Maine Road and Wembley). Dull the games have rarely been, we’ve had large wins by both teams and a host of memorable moments – Eddie Clamp landing a penalty kick on the roof of the North Bank, David Woodfield getting sent off – the first man I saw thus penalised – for shoulder charging Mike Summerbee into the empty seats in the Molineux Street stand. (Despite being quite badly injured he appeared for DW at his hearing and no further action was taken.) The League cup final win against a team with the forward line Summerbee, Bell, Lee, Law and Marsh – what would they be worth today? And of course the heroic efforts, penalties excepted, of last season. What’s not to look forward to this Saturday?
All predictions are difficult and one for this game more than most. It looks like a City win …. but it’s a game between two Premiership teams of eleven, and, really anything could happen. I’m letting heart rule head and going for a win and I’m not going to get involved in probability percentages …. we’ve got a good team who are in the league on merit and who, on their day, are capable of great things. Saturday just might be one of those days. Thanks for the pleasure of your company down the years City – but COYW.
Am I alone in thinking Saiss should get a recall to add a bit more defensive steel.. and that Belgian lad I think could compete with Coady for the cetral defender place.. CC seems hesitant to get forward and black shots as he did last season, he backed off both v Everton and Leicester and the shots turned into goals..maybe he is just settling in or maybe it’s happening too fast for him?
Anyway, a humdinger and :
3-3
Let’s stand toe to toe and slug it out with them, but I fear they are just too good atm.
No shame in going down swinging though. I think we will earn more respect but ultimately no points from this, but not to fear the points will come and flow freely very soon
Bit worried about this one. Cant really see us getting anything out of it but at least can hope.
Jimenez on fire……
Sir Joe to misfire…….
The annoying thing about the prediction league and this bonkers family is when the women are all shouting for a Leicester win. And then, when we’re two down they switch allegiance and shout for the consolation goal.
At least I won’t get any of that nonsense in my ear holes when I’m sat in the Billy Quiet on match days.
We’ve studied the form book and it says that we will finish second and will probably be playing against ten men in the second half and it’s our turn to get OG on the scoresheet.
And I’ve told my 5-year old “No, we don’t get to Europe if we win the Prediction League”
It is still 11 v 11 isn’t it ? Only reading all the paper talk , you could be forgiven for thinking we were playing the incredibles ,
There in blue , we’re in old gold ( ish)
The big advantage is though , we are playing on our patch
First goal wins for me , and we will get it
That De Bruyne guy might be worth buying in January though, could work well with Neves me thinks
Utw
The strength is in the pack
Would love it if we can get something from this game but I very much doubt it.
I miss last season when I would predict a win every game and be correct ?. City will score, hopefully our finishing boots are on for this one.
So who has more money?
Fosun, or them what own Man City?
Why is there not a rumor/paper talk/bullshit about Wolves buying Kevin DB, Sir Jaghairo, or any of the others Nuno might fancy?
Just coz they WERE champions last year doesn’t mean they have a dog – given right to walk in and steal anyone they want.
You ain’t in Barcelona or Munich now, Peppy, and the Prem has more competition and more money than any other league on the planet, so if you are as good as you think you are as a coach, you will make do with the rabble you have, and stop trying to upset us Wolves fans.
We Brits stick together and don’t let anyone get us down ( see second world war/adolf hitler and all that) and all your mind games are like water off a wolf’s back to us.
So, you enter the Mol (lair) tomorrow at your peril.
Be prepared to leave with your tail between your legs, suitably chastened, after a drubbing.
Have a nice day.
I forgot to note in my above prediction of a 2-1 Wolves win that Pep will have to dream up another excuse. Wrong-shaped ball won’t do!
Its no good craving for a return to the big time then dreading games like this. Yes it going to be very, very tough against arguably the best club team on the planet. If we do pull off the victory we will probably need some luck along the way and lets be honest after the Leicester game are due some. As for the team I would not be changing Doherty he deserves he chance to right the wrongs of Saturday. The only change I foresee is probably Traore for most likely Costa but Jota can consider himself lucky to be keeping his place. As my prediction creditable performance but sill a loss. No need to panic though we are comfortably better that 8/10 teams in this league.
City’s domination is scary and leaves a slightly bad taste in the mouth. Their team is still incredible even without De Bruyne and will create tons of chances against our slightly frail defence. Traore to make and impact though and the crowd to ensure the players are pumped up and do us and nuno proud.
So what dominates our thought process? Logical analysis or emotion?
Logic suggests a 4-1 win for City. They are the best team in the land. They are on a winning run and if they win by three clear goals it will become their best ever start to the premier league. Wolves are the new kids on the block and have one point from two games and are a team still evolving and getting to know each other.
Normally I let logic control my decisions but this time – this time – maybe it is time for a change?
Wolves are at home and the Molineux crowd are worth a goal or two.
City may be a little over confident and feel that it is “a walk in the park”
Nuno has had another week with his players to learn their strengths and forge them into a solid unit.
Someone has to stop the City express train sometime – so why not now?
Maybe it is time for emotion – or is it still logic tinged with hope – but I fancy a draw from this one!
This is cool, can’t wait to see it.
“Old Gold”
A management team that’s listening.
Watching the M’bro – Boggies match , no wonder they don’t let in many goals, Keith Andrews says they both have tree at the back!
I know they have a lot of dead wood but a tree?
Think this will be only time I’ll predict a loss but I can’t see us getting a win here. City just too strong.
Currently in Cornwall but think sky sports here so will try to watch.
Don’t know where you are in Cornwall Border, but Ivybridge Wolves will be watching in in the Duke of Cornwall in Ivybridge, about 10miles across the border in Devon. (is that as confusing as it sounds?) You’ll be very welcome of course.
Near Newquay so about 45-50 miles away I would guess. Just managed to get it up on the tv!
Forget to put prediction…….dow
City too good sorry but a home loss but this game won’t decide our season as long as we give a good account of ourselves I will be pleased
This game was rightfully put on TV because two very good footballing teams are going head head. City should win the champions league this season, anything less is failure. That’s shows what we’re up against. Forget the prediction league I’ll guess with my heart…
This game was rightfully put on TV because two very good footballing teams are going head head. City should win the champions league this season, anything less is failure. That’s shows what we’re up against. Forget the prediction league I’ll guess with my heart…..
11 v 11. Attack Attack Attack. Just go for it and see who comes out on top.
I think if we press them we may have a chance,because they’ll surely be pressing us.
All the odds are against us, but we’re at home and we will give them a Black Country welcome they’ll never forget.
UTW.and FOWB.
Bit nervous about this one, but would love us to sneak a win and Pep to blame the ball / pitch whatever.
Another positive performance even in defeat wouldn’t be so bad. I don’t see us getting rolled over like Huddersfield, but our defence looks anything but secure at the moment…
Dare I suggest Dendonker in for Coady?
These are the games that I have been looking forward to when we can see how we stand up to the best teams in the league.
Don’t have great expectations but expect the team t make us proud.
This will be tough and I hope we score a goal.
The game is on at 9:30pm on Saturday evening in Sydney so I won’t be bleary eyed while watching.
4.30am kick off here…recording set for NBC as well as Spanish channel….so lots of GOOOOOALL to look forward to…or not, when I get up at 7..no glancing at phone
its what we all wanted….so lets enjoy, whatever happens
then there are 35 games left
Need an early goal to settle the team, who from last weeks lack of luck with finishing in reality should have taken the three points. I feel they are still capable of an upset in this game, especially at home with a great fan base to support them
Feels weird I won’t be watching this one, hope the hicking trip I’ll be doing lives to the expectations.
Can’t see Wolves getting tonked, true City are ace but I’m optimistic there is enough quality at Wolves as well. Happy with a draw.
Have a good time everyone attending!
Heart over head this one. We need the performance of a lifetime to get it. Hopefully the old gold will roar the lads on regardless of who gets first goal like I will in a bar with ManCiteh loathing mates at 7 30pm.
I quite respect the style they have at City and expect the game to play out similarly to the Cup game with us on the back foot and hitting on the counter. I hope we press harder. Thats my only concern
If we press, press and press then maybe we can upset their rhythm but it won’t be easy.
maybe if our shots go in instead of hitting the woodwork we will get the rewards we did not last week.
Hope over realistic expectation, but why not with a mom performance from our keeper.
So a nice easy one today – notttt
1:2 wouldn’t be a disgrace against Cithe but can’t predict it
Well after last week we deserve our bit of luck and I think today we will get it with an injury time winner
Not sure about this but it looks promising.
https://www.stream2watch.org/live/wolverhampton-vs-manchester-city-live-stream
Hope more than anything.
I wondering if we can sneak an upset.
COYW
As long as it isn’t a rugby score
Bring on Troare…….Get some pace run at city defence…..!
Fortress Molineux – unbeatable at home ?
As private Fraser says” I never doubted them for a second!”
I don’t understand why the commentators were so upset that Man CIty didn’t win.
Shouldn’t they be unbiased? I’m surprised none of them were caught saying “I don’t like Wolves”.
If they keep this up, I’m going to have to stop stealing their signal.
We need to get back how we were playing it out from the back last season. Way too many attacks broken down by misplaced passes on the break, having said all that we could have easily won, not easy chances to score but there is not a lot needs fixing.
So we all remember Carlton Cole coming on, all 6′ 3″ of him and and what did we do started to knock it into the box along the ground, same today with Adama get the ball to him, the few times he did have he was electrifying, he will but the wind up a few when fully bedded in.
Fantastic result. Well done the lads.
Magnificent effort. A bit slips hod in possession at times and that kept city on the offensive but we kept our shape well and probably had the better of the clear cut chances. But a point against a team like that. Fantastic. The Molineux will prove to be a big factor on points accumulation. Well done boys and back to me beer!
What a fantastic team we have. Brilliant atmosphere in the ground too so us fans doing our bit.
Hats off to the recruitment team…every one of the new players has raised the standard and the four new signings who started today were all excellent. And of course, what a player to bring off the bench in Adama. Will be lovely when Cav offers another option against tired legs.
Special mention for Helder today who responded brilliantly to a disappointing start to season.
Well bugger me! I did not see that coming… But delighted to be proved wrong and so proud of the boys for the effort, work and quality they put in. Chuffed to bits to see Hélder Costa getting back to his best… Did I see a stat that said he was the quickest man in the game today, even quicker than Adama?! If we’ve got these two, with Jota supporting and Cav to come back, there are gonna be some thrilling games going forward… Raúl can shift a bit as well. And Jonny and Vinagre are no slouches.
Well done to the lads for today, we now know what level we need to be competing at on a weekly basis. Keep it up boys, the points are coming.