Wolves vs Man City
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Friday, 27-12-2019 10:45
Ref: Martin Atkinson
Wolves won 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium in October, and can win both league meetings with Manchester City in a top-flight season for the first time since the 1960-61 season. City have recorded victories in just two of their five previous Premier League games at Molineux, losing twice and drawing 1-1 there last season.
Wolves could lose back-to-back league games at Molineux for the first time since defeats to Liverpool and Crystal Palace 12 months ago. The 2-1 loss to Tottenham was only Wolves’ second defeat in their last 17 league home fixtures (W9, D6). They have claimed 21 points against opposition from the established top six since promotion in 2018 (W5, D6, L6). Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have scored in each of their last 17 Premier League games but have not netted more than twice in any match in that run. Wolves have lost each of their last 12 top-flight games played on a Friday, while Man City have lost just one of their eight such matches (W4, D3).
City’s tally of 19 Premier League points away from home this season is bettered only by Liverpool. They can record back-to-back clean sheets in away league games for the first time since April. Victory would see City boss Pep Guardiola reach 100 Premier League wins, and break the record for fewest games needed to reach the landmark. He has won 99 of 132 matches, and is set to overhaul Jose Mourinho, who registered his 100th win in his 142nd game. Of Guardiola’s 16 Premier League defeats, seven have come in the month of December. City have conceded the opening goal in seven Premier League matches this season, only one short of their combined tally from 2017-18 and 2018-19.
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has reported no new injury concerns but he could make changes, as his side will have just 45 hours of recovery before playing Liverpool. Morgan Gibbs-White, Willy Boly and Bruno Jordao remain sidelined.
Manchester City midfielder David Silva and centre-back John Stones are still ruled out with injuries. Striker Sergio Aguero is again expected to be on the bench following his return from a thigh problem.
Thursday’s Results
-Tottenham 2-1 Brighton
-Chelsea 2-0 Southampton
-Bournemouth 1-1 Arsenal
-Aston Villa 1-0 Norwich City
-Everton 1-0 Burnley
-Sheffield United 1-1 Watford
-Crystal Palace 2-1 West Ham
-Man United 4-1 Newcastle United
-Leicester City 0-4 Liverpool
