The Premier League returns with an exciting curtain-raiser as Wolverhampton Wanderers host defending champions Manchester City at Molineux Stadium. Scheduled for August 16 at 7:30 pm, the clash pits two sides with very different ambitions as the 2025/26 campaign kicks off.
Wolves head into the opener desperate to rediscover form after a difficult run of results. They are winless in their last five matches, which included three straight defeats in pre-season to Celta Vigo, Girona, and Lens, followed by draws against Stoke City and Brentford. The poor run has raised questions about their readiness for the new season, and Molineux fans will be hoping their team can lift performance levels against the toughest opposition possible.
Manchester City, in contrast, arrive with momentum and the aura of champions. Pep Guardiola’s side have just returned from the FIFA Club World Cup, where they recorded victories over Wydad Casablanca, Al-Ain, and Juventus, only losing narrowly to Al Hilal. They quickly recovered with a convincing 3-0 friendly win against Palermo FC, sharpening their edge ahead of this Premier League opener. City, as always, begin the season as favorites to defend their crown.
The head-to-head record between the two sides further underlines City’s dominance. In their most recent meeting, Kevin De Bruyne’s first-half strike was enough to secure a 1-0 win at the Etihad. Earlier in the same season, City edged a 2-1 victory at Molineux, with Josko Gvardiol and John Stones on the scoresheet after Wolves had taken an early lead. The 2023/24 campaign saw City thrash Wolves 5-1, highlighted by a four-goal haul from Erling Haaland, although Wolves did claim a famous 2-1 win at Molineux in September 2023 – their only victory in the last five encounters.
Heading into this fixture, Wolves will look to frustrate City with a compact defensive approach while hoping for inspiration in attack. City, on the other hand, will aim to impose their trademark dominance in possession and sharp attacking play. With Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden expected to feature, the champions have the tools to start the season strongly.
All eyes will be on Molineux as the Premier League gets underway, with Wolves aiming for a statement performance and City looking to lay down an early marker in their title defense.
