Wolves v Manchester City Match Preview
By David Crook
Manchester City face a tricky looking away game against Wolves as the first of their 2 games in 48 hours during the festive period.
The loss against Wolves at home earlier in the season, laid bare the Manchester City weaknesses which have subsequently been exploited by others. Specifically the counter attacking vulnerability to pacey wingers.
There is an opportunity now for Manchester City to gain some revenge for the earlier result, but to do so City must build upon the excellent recent results.
The games following in quick succession will no doubt play a part in Pep Guardiola’s thinking as there will be a real temptation to shuffle his pack of players to keep them sharp.
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That will be a concern on two counts. Firstly, City have built a little momentum and it is important to keep that run going. Results breed belief and there is no let up in games, which come thick and fast.
Secondly, I remain a great believer in playing your form players every game. The players who have done so well recently, need to play and keep up their performance levels.
With all of that in mind, I hope Guardiola resists the temptation to change his team. The real difficulty will be in selecting the team to face Sheffield United within 48 hours of the Wolves game.
The pace of Wolves which undid us at home will be a constant threat and accordingly we need at least Walker in the starting XI. It will also be important that other players like Raheem Sterling are willing to work hard, tracking back where necessary.
Kevin De Bruyne is the beating heart of our side, undoing teams at will when on form. Right now, we need him in our side and powering us to victory. Rest can happen in the winter break!
A result against Wolves will go a long way to set us up for the challenges which remain. Let us hope we are in for another Christmas cracker!
Predicted Starting XI
Ederson
Walker- Otamendi-Fernandinho-Mendy
Rodri- De De Bruyne- Foden
Sterling-Jesus-Mahrez