Preview of the first round of the Premier League: Wolves face Manchester City at home, and the war in the new season is ignited

Written Rises: Xiaobai Replayer

At 00:30 am on August 17, the first round of the 2025/26 Premier League season will usher in a focus battle. Wolves are sitting at the Molyneux Stadium and meet the challenges of Manchester City. This game is not only the first show of the two teams in the new season, but also a fierce collision of strength and tactics, attracting the attention of fans around the world.

1. Team recent situation: Wolves need to recover urgently, and Manchester City is determined to win the championship

Last season, Wolves' performance was not satisfactory, and they finally ranked 16th in the league and struggled to relegate. The team exposed many problems on both offense and defense, with loopholes on the defensive end and conceded a lot of goals; the offensive end lacked stable scoring methods and lacked offense. During the offseason, the Wolves made some adjustments to the lineup, introducing forwards Larson, Fairlopez and Arias to try to enhance offensive firepower; at the same time, they signed Wallfee to improve their defensive strength. However, in the pre-season warm-up match, Wolves' performance was still sluggish, suffering three consecutive losses and four consecutive games not winning. The running-in problem between new players and the team was highlighted, and the weak situation on the offensive end was not significantly improved. In addition, the injury situation of the main players also cast a shadow on the team's prospects for the new season.

Although Manchester City ranked first in the league last season, the team's performance did not meet expectations and unfortunately missed the championship. In the Champions League, Manchester City was also eliminated early, and morale was affected to a certain extent. In the new season, Manchester City is determined to make a comeback and strive for the championship trophy. In the summer transfer window, Manchester City made frequent moves, introducing powerful players such as Reindez, Aitnuri and Sherki, further enhancing the team's lineup depth. The team has world-class stars such as Haaland and Gvadior, with strong offensive firepower, excellent midfield control and relatively stable defense. In the preseason, Manchester City achieved a 4-1 record, with Haaland continuing his outstanding goal-scoring form, scoring 4 goals in 5 games, showing strong personal abilities. However, the team also exposed some problems on the defensive end, with averaging 1.6 goals conceded per game, and the running-in of the defense line still needs to be strengthened.

2. Historical confrontation: Manchester City has an absolute advantage

In the last 6 confrontations of the two teams, Manchester City has shown strong dominance, achieved 5 victories and lost only 1 game, occupying a clear advantage in the confrontation record. Last season, Manchester City beat Wolves both home and away games, with a ball possession rate of more than 65% in both games, completely controlling the situation on the court. Haaland performed well in three matches with Wolves, participating in 4 goals (3 goals and 1 assist), and having a high-altitude top-square success rate of 83%, becoming a big nightmare for the Wolves’ defense. Manchester City's outstanding performance in historical confrontations undoubtedly gave them the upper hand psychologically. However, Wolves also beat Manchester City 2-1 at home last season, which also added a little confidence to them in this game.

3. Tactical analysis: Wolves defend against counterattack, Manchester City passes and controls

Wolves is expected to continue the 3-4-2-1 deep defense against counterattack system. On the defensive end, the team relies on the three-center-back system to stabilize the defense line, with two midfielders Andre and Joao Gomez responsible for strangling the midfield to limit the opponent's offensive organization. But the pair of midfielders averaged only 3.1 steals per game, and they may face great pressure when facing Manchester City's strong midfield. The core of the defense line, Agbadu, has a 58% air defense success rate, and needs to play an important role in fighting players such as Haaland. New aid Hoffer turned slowly at the right gate and took 2.3 seconds per trip to chase back, which could be a breakthrough for Manchester City's offense. On the offensive end, the Wolves relied on the right-hand breakthrough of Colombia's flying wing Arias, and its sprint speed can reach 34km/h, which can use its speed to hit Manchester City's defense line. 1.94 meters tall, No. Jorgen Strand Larsen, the superstar who is a fulcrum, creates opportunities for his teammates. However, Wolves' midfield creativity is insufficient and their set-piece defense is relatively weak. They were scored by Manchester City three times last season.

Manchester City will continue to adopt a 4-3-3 high-voltage transmission and control system. On the offensive end, Ait Nuri attacked from the left, and he averaged 3 breakthroughs per game. He was bound to be eager to prove himself in front of his old club. Haaland has a strong ability to control air in the penalty area, with a successful rate of 71%, which is an important weapon for Manchester City's offense. New player Reindez has a pass success rate of up to 92%. He needs to take on the heavy responsibility of offense and defense conversion hub in the absence of Rodri and provide support for the team's offensive organization. Manchester City tried to tear the Wolves' defense through the combination of side and middle schools. Last season, 38% of the team's goals came from left offense. On the defensive end, Manchester City needs to pay attention to the Wolves' counterattack, especially Arias' speed threat. Meanwhile, the team exposed the 25% reduction in defensive conversion efficiency that the team exposed in the preseason will also need to be improved in this game.

4. Core player duel

(I) Jorgen Stran Larsen vs Manchester City defense

Larsen scored 14 goals in the Premier League last season and has strong scoring ability. But in the preseason, he failed to score in five games and needed to get his shot back as soon as possible. Facing Manchester City's strong defense line, Larson needs to give full play to his physical advantages, be a fulcrum, create opportunities for his teammates, and at the same time, he must seize the scoring opportunities in front of the goal and prove that he is not a "system player". Although Manchester City's defense is strong, some problems have also been exposed in the preseason. The new central defender's pursuit speed is 2.1 seconds per time. Larsen can try to take advantage of this weakness and create offensive space through running.

(II) John Arias vs Manchester City's right defense

As an important signing for Wolves in the new season, Arias showed certain strength in the preseason and was the team's only goal scorer. His speed and breakthrough ability are a great weapon for the Wolves' offense. In this game, he will focus on Manchester City's right-wing defense, use his speed to break through the opponent's defense and create offensive opportunities for the team. Manchester City's right-hand defensive players need to pay close attention to Arias' movements, strengthen defensive restrictions on him, and avoid threats caused by him after breaking through.

(III) Ellin Haaland vs Wolves defense

Haaland is undoubtedly the core figure of Manchester City's offense. He has scored 4 goals in his last 5 games and is in a hot state. When facing Wolves, Haaland participated in 4 goals in three matches, with a success rate of 83% at high altitude top-square, causing huge trouble for the Wolves' defense. When facing Haaland, the Wolves' defense needs to strengthen their close defense against him and limit his catch and shooting space. At the same time, we should pay attention to assisting defense and filling up positions to avoid being broken by Haaland using his personal abilities. Central defenders such as Agbadu need to play their defensive characteristics and work closely with their teammates to minimize Haaland's threat.

(IV) Tijani Reindez vs Wolves midfielder

Reindez, as Manchester City's new midfielder, had a 92% pass success rate in the preseason, showing good passing and organizational skills. In this game, he will face a strangle from the Wolves midfielder. Wolves' double midfielder Andre and Joao Gomez will try to limit Reindez's passing organization and cut off his connection with his teammates. Reindez needs to show his skills and awareness, stay calm under pressure, and create opportunities for the team's offense through reasonable passing schedules. At the same time, he should also actively participate in defense and help the team consolidate the midfield defense line.

5. Game prediction

Taking into account the strength, recent situation, historical confrontation and tactical characteristics of the two teams, Manchester City has a great advantage in this game. Manchester City has a stronger lineup and rich game experience, strong offensive firepower and excellent midfield control. Although the team has some personnel injuries and defense line running-in problems, its overall strength is still above the Wolves. The Wolves have a certain degree of resilience in home games, and new players may also bring some changes, but the team has shortcomings in midfield creativity and defense stability, and their performance on the offensive end is not stable enough. Manchester City is expected to take the initiative away game, control the rhythm of the game, and win the game through efficient offense. However, Wolves may also use defensive counterattacks to cause some trouble for Manchester City. Forecast score Wolves 0-2 or 0-3 Manchester City, Manchester City is expected to get a good start in the new season and start their championship journey.