Wolverhampton Wanderers will open their 2025/26 Premier League campaign at home to Manchester City on August 16, with Vitor Pereira's men determined to put the struggles of last season's relegation fight firmly behind them.
The summer has brought new hope at Molineux with the club bringing in Colombia forward Jhon Arias, Norway wing-back David Moller Wolfe and promising attacker Fer Lopez, while also making Jorgen Strand Larsen's move permanent. Even so, the departures of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri have left gaps in the squad that need attention before the transfer window closes.
City arrive in the Midlands in the unusual position of beginning a new season without the champion's crown after Liverpool denied them a record-extending fifth consecutive league title. Pep Guardiola's side will be eager to reclaim the trophy, and summer arrivals Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki have added freshness to the squad — along with Ait-Nouri.
Yet the champions of old face early challenges with Rodri ruled out, while the departure of long-serving playmaker Kevin De Bruyne to Napoli marks the end of an era.
Off the field, City are weighing their goalkeeping options with Paris Saint-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma reportedly on their radar if Ederson moves on, and Galatasaray already showing interest in the Brazilian. Transfer activity continues to dominate the Molineux agenda as well, with Wolves pushing to sign a centre-back and a striker, as Chelsea's Axel Disasi and David Datro Fofana remain among their targets.
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Wolves vs. Man City lineups: Starting XI, team news, injury latest
Wolves will be without Leon Chiwome, who is sidelined until late October after rupturing his ACL in January, and Fabio Silva, who has no set return date following a hamstring strain and is likely to leave the club anyway.
Defender Yerson Mosquera is back in training after a long-term knee injury but may be eased into action.
August 16 could see a competitive debut for Colombian forward Jhon Arias who impressed for Fluminense at the Club World Cup this summer. David Moller Wolfe could also make his Premier League bow, while Jorgen Strand Larsen will lead the line up front.
Wolves starting XI (3-4-2-1, right to left): 1. Sa (GK) — 2. Doherty, 12. Agdabou, 24. Gomes — 26. Hoever, 8. Joao Gomes, 7. Andre, 6. Moller Wolfe — 5. Munetsi, 27. Bellegarde — 9. Larsen
Injured: Chiwome (knee), Silva (thigh)
Suspended: None
City are without Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder Rodri, who is managing a groin injury sustained during the Club World Cup.
Phil Foden and Claudio Echeverri are doubts with ankle problems, while Mateo Kovacic is sidelined until October with a calf injury. Josko Gvardiol is being assessed after a knock.
Tijjani Reijnders makes his Premier League debut, while fellow summer recruit Rayan Cherki must settle for a spot on the bench. Former Wolves man Rayan Ait-Nouri starts against his former club, and Erling Haaland leads the attack after being the only player to feature in both halves against Palermo.
With Ederson reportedly linked with a move to Galatasaray, James Trafford starts in goal
Man City starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Trafford (GK) — 82. Lewis, 5. Stones, 3. Dias, 21. Ait-Nouri — 20. Silva, 14. N. Gonzalez, 4. Reijnders — 52. Bobb, 9. Haaland, 11. Doku
Injured: Kovacic (calf), Rodri (groin), Foden (ankle/doubt), Gvardiol (knock/doubt), Echeverri (ankle/doubt)
Suspended: None
Wolves vs. Man City match details
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Kickoff time: 5:30 p.m. local time / 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT
- Location: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton (England)
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Jarred Gillett
- VAR: Michael Salisbury
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