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Team News
Manchester’s City’s quest for a third EPL title in four years begins Monday on the road against Wolves.
It’s the first game action for the Blues since their 2-1 defeat to Lyon in the Champions League on August 15.
Wolves defeated Sheffield United 2-0 in their opening game last week.
Key losses
City will be missing Sergio Aguero who could be out up to two months with a left knee injury.
Defender Aymeric Laporte is out after rejoining the club late following his positive COVID test.
Winger Riyad Mahrez also tested positive for COVID but will be available.
Wolves defender Ki-Jana Hoever won’t play after just recently completing a move from Liverpool.
Statistically speaking
Wolves have had City’s number lately and were a thorn in their side last season.
- The Wanderers were one of two squads (along with Man United) who won both encounters with the Blues last season.The last time Wolves won more than two consecutive games against City dates back to 1961.
- Pep Guardiola has never lost three consecutive league matches to a single opponent in his entire career as a manager.
- City have lost four of their last seven top-flight matches with Wolves.
- The Blues have won their last five Premier League matches by a combined score of 21-1.
- A Wolves victory would make them just the fourth club to win 2,000 games in the top four tiers of English football (Man United has 2,234, Liverpool 2,212, Arsenal 2,117).
Players to watch
City fans will be keen to see the debut of centre-back Nathan Aké and winger Ferran Torres.
Raheem Sterling will be counted on to repeat his impressive goal scoring form last season where he notched 20 goals and was nominated for PFA Player of the Year.
Kevin De Bruyne is the heart and soul of the midfield as he looks to repeat a season where he was PFA Player of the Year.
For Wolves they have a wealth of experience in goal with Rui Patricio, the man who backstopped Portugal to a Euro triumph in 2016.
Up front Wolves striker Raul Jimenez will test City’s back four.
The Mexican scored 17 goals in league play last season and has 43 for the club in just 93 appearances.
Chasing history
No English side has ever won 10 straight season openers.
Manchester City can do just that with a victory at Molineux Stadium Monday night.
Game time is 8:15pm. (JSL)
