Manchester City continue their title defence at Molineux on Saturday where a Wolves side laden with Portuguese technicians could provide a tricky test. Wanderers will need to be wary of ring rust having not played since September 3rd, and the underdogs will need to be razor-sharp in every department to produce an upset this weekend.
Below, we’ve assembled a catalogue of statistics containing key info about shots, shots on target, xG, cards, corners and more, that should provide some assistance for your bet builders on Saturday.
Predicted Lineups
Wolves signed free agent Diego Costa to replace the unlucky Sasa Kalajdzic after the latter suffered an ACL injury on his debut, and the experienced Spaniard could be thrown straight into the action on Saturday.
Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho and Matheus Nunes should form a tasty triumvirate in midfield in Bruno Lage’s favoured 4-3-3 formation.
Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva were both named on the bench against Borussia Dortmund in midweek and the key creative duo seem certain to start on Saturday.
Kyle Walker is still recovering from a knock which means Wednesday’s goal-scoring hero John Stones could continue at right back. Kevin de Bruyne scored four times on his last visit to Molineux in May and the Belgian schemer should start again here.
Team Stats
Wolves have shown little bite in the final third this season, indeed, no club in the Premier League has scored fewer goals (3) so far. Wanderers’ poor output at the business end of the pitch has been caused by poor finishing rather than a lack of creativity, however.
Wolves have notched just 0.50 times p/90 from an xG of 1.78, though the numbers indicate they should also be conceding more than they are too (0.67 goals against, 1.43 xG against p/90).
Manchester City aren’t quite at the summit of the Premier League yet, though they lead the rankings for several metrics including goals for (3.33), xG for (2.40) and xG against (0.75) p/90.
The champions are also clocking up their fair share of corners (6.67 p/90), while their card count is also among the league’s lowest (0.67 per 90).
Player Shots and Shots on Target
Mexican centre-forward Raul Jimenez has been Wolves’ best performer for both shots (2.97) and shots per 90 (1.27), though the 31-year-old’s efforts haven’t paid off as yet and he is yet to register in the Premier League.
Portuguese wingers Goncalo Guedes (2.29), Daniel Podence (1.84) and Pedro Neto (1.83) are all regular shooters, though their accuracy has been underwhelming.
Norwegian Erling Haaland was City’s match-winner again on Wednesday against his former employers, Dortmund, and the 22-year-old has been just as influential domestically where he is hitting 4.68 shots per 90.
Kevin de Bruyne is pushing him hardest with some impressive numbers from midfield (3.28 shots per 90), while Ilkay Gundogan is an interesting performer in the same race with 2.04 attempts per 90.
Player Goals and Assists
Daniel Podence is Wolves’ leading marksman in the Premier League with two goals, though Ruben Neves is the only other Wanderers player to chip in this term.
Bruno Lage will hope that Diego Costa still has enough in his locker to finish off some chances, though the 33-year-old has scored just 12 times in his last three seasons combined and expectations should probably be tempered.
Erling Haaland continues to hog the limelight at City and the lethal finisher is already into double figures in his maiden Premier League campaign.
Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Julian Alvarez have notched a brace a-piece, though Haaland has provided 63% of City’s last 11 league goals himself.
Wolves Cards
Better known for his range of passing and accurate shooting from distance, Ruben Neves has a mean streak that doesn’t quite get the attention it deserves. The midfielder has been booked three times already this term, though his compatriot Joao Moutinho has been committing more fouls per 90 (1.94).
Rayan Ait Nouri (1.46 fouls per 90) can be clumsy at fullback at times and the French defender could have his work cut out against Man City’s world-class wide attackers.
Jack Grealish (4.00) has been City’s most-fouled player this season, though we expect the ex-Villa man to be handed a watching brief at Molineux, from the start at least.
Instead, look to Bernardo Silva (1.43) and Kevin de Bruyne (1.15) who are likely to be targeted by Wolves pair Neves and Moutinho in the middle of the park. Erling Haaland’s duels with enthusiastic Wanderers centre-half Nathan Collins could also be of interest.
Match-Ups to watch
Ruben Neves vs Kevin de Bruyne
Joao Moutinho vs Bernardo Silva
Nathan Collins vs Erling Haaland
Manchester City Cards
Pep Guardiola’s City are one of the world’s best teams at retaining possession, however, when they do relinquish the ball, they lean heavily on tactical fouling to halt their opponent’s progress.
Joao Cancelo (2 cards), Rodri (1.79 fouls) and Ilkay Gundogan (1.22 fouls p/90) are three of Guardiola’s most trusted footsoliders on turnovers. Expect all three players to get their challenges in on Saturday.
Daniel Podence’s combination of pace and tricky makes him a potent player in transition and he’s regularly been halted in his tracks by concerned defenders (fouled 1.84 p/90). His surges forward could be checked by makeshift right back John Stones this weekend and the England international doesn’t look entirely comfortable near the touchline.
Matheus Nunes (2.11 dribbles p/90) is a ball carrier worth watching in midfield. His penchant for beating markers could put Rodri in a spot of bother centrally, while Jonny Castro’s supporting runs down the right could hit a roadblock in the shape of Joao Cancelo.
Match-Ups to watch
Rodri vs Matheus Nunes
John Stones vs Daniel Podence
Joao Cancelo vs Jonny Castro
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That’s all for this stats pack. Good luck if you’re using it for a bet builder, but remember to keep the stakes sensible.
