Charles Jackson
With five games to go this season, the equation for Manchester City is clear. If they win, they will win the double, but they will host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, knowing there is room for Arsenal to make a comeback. How much will only become apparent earlier in the day when the Gunners host Bournemouth, but a four-point difference would constitute real pressure on the scoreboard for the champions, even with games in hand, to chase the leaders.
Wolves will be looking to carve out a notable place in Pep Guardiola’s history at the Etihad Stadium. After surprising City at Molineux in September, they could become the first club to beat the Spaniard home and away in multiple seasons during his managerial career, a feat they previously achieved in 2019-20. Here’s how you can watch the game and what you need to know.
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Viewing information
- Date: Saturday, May 4th | Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Etihad Stadium – Manchester, United Kingdom
- TELEVISION: NBC | Live broadcast: Fubo (Try it for free)
- Chances: City of Manchester -1400; Draw: +1000; Wolves +2500
Plots
City of Manchester: As the decisive period of the season approaches, there are no signs of fear in a City team who, for the most part, are experienced in this sort of thing. A fourth consecutive domestic title would mark the elimination of Guardiola’s team in the history of English football, achieving a feat no one else has achieved, but their ease at this moment is exemplified by Erling Haaland. “It’s good – just like last season,” he said of the title race following the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
“This is perhaps the most exciting time to be a football player. Not many can relate, but that’s why I play football – the feeling before the game, you’re a bit nervous. That’s fantastic and that’s why I love it football because of these feelings.
City are approaching these big games with an almost fully fit squad, although there are still doubts as to whether Ederson will have recovered from the knock he suffered at the City Ground in time for Saturday. However, Stefan Ortega has proven to be an eminently reliable substitute and both Ruben Dias and Phil Foden are expected to return after missing the last game through illness.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Preparations for the trip to the Etihad were rocked earlier this week when Gary O’Neil was suspended for one match on the touchline for his conduct following Wolves’ 2-1 defeat to West Ham last month, with manager criticizing referee Tony Harrington for ruling out. a 99th-minute equalizer due to offside. O’Neil isn’t the only key figure who will be missing from the trip to the northwest.
Defenders Craig Dawson and Santiago Bueno have been ruled out for the rest of the season, while Tommy Doyle is ineligible to play against his parent club. Pedro Neto is also expected to remain sidelined with a hamstring injury as Wolves look to move up the table, a top-half finish worth its weight in gold for a team that felt the pressure from PSR 12 months ago.
Prediction
City have entered the imperial phase of the season, it’s hard to see Wolves gaining much from it other than the damage to their goal difference. CHOICE: Manchester City 3, Wolves 0
