Manchester City vs Wolverhampton, Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 04/05/2024

Odds via Tonybet

Manchester City vs Wolverhampton. Shape of the Teams.

There are not many games left in the Premier League, but the title race is far from over. 

With very few ‘top clashes’ left for the elite teams, all the so-called insignificant games become important. With the title race decided on a few points or even on goal difference, every point counts. 

Until a few weeks ago, Liverpool led the table, but a draw changed everything for them. For Manchester City, the stakes are exceptionally high; every match is a must-win now, and with a game in hand, they are just one point behind the leaders. The title is up to them. Until then, the pressure remains.

While Manchester City only failed to defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League, Wolverhampton’s victories have been few in recent matches – they managed only two wins in the last ten games. Their victories have been sparse, one against Fulham in March and the most recent against relegation-threatened Luton (2-1). Facing a high-caliber team like Manchester City at this point of the season is going to be a difficult task for the Wolves.  

To Wolves’ pleasure, Phil Foden is expected to sit this game out, still awaiting medical clearance. But other than that, Manchester City is relatively healthy. The same cannot be said for Wolverhampton. Key players such as Pedro Neto, Santiago Bueno, Noha Lemina, and Leon Chiwome are sidelined, along with uncertainties around Rayan Ait Nouri and Bellegarde’s availability. 

Manchester City vs Wolverhampton Match Info

• Date and Kickoff Time: Saturday, May 4, 12:30 PM EDT
• Stadium: Etihad
• Location: Manchester, England
• Last match: Wolverhampton vs Manchester City: 2-1 (September 30, 2023, Premier League)

Manchester City vs Wolverhampton, Odds

• Pick: Manchester City to win
• Odds: -1000 (Tonybet)

It is not every day that fans get to see quadruple digits on betting odds. But the difference in quality between these two teams is just so gigantic. 

Not many had Wolverhampton in tenth place at the beginning of the season but overall they managed to perform above expectations. At the beginning of the season, Wolverhampton was even one of the few teams to secure a victory against City – against all odds. However, this win took place during what many consider the Citizens’ “low season.”

During this period, skepticism about Pep Guardiola’s ability to lead his team to the title was rampant, yet, as often happens, Manchester City has silenced doubters by returning to form and reasserting themselves as title favourites. 

Currently, Manchester City is back at their winning streak across England and the Citizens are yet again the favourites to clinch the title. 

As a rule of thumb, Wolverhampton tends to fold back when it encounters opposition that plays overly expansive football like Manchester City. But without Foden, this could prove to be a masterstroke. 

The Citizens heavily rely on the Englishman to progress in stalled positions in the famous zone 14. Without him, the puzzle makes less sense. However, Pep Guardiola has more than one trick in his bag. 

One of them might be fielding Jeremy Doku or Jack Grealish, who both tend to easily dismantle oppositions by themselves. One can go for the kill or the poison. Whatever plan it is, the Wolves’ horrendous defensive records speak for themselves.

Another player who has risen from the ashes is Gvardiol, a defender who came with high expectations from RB Leipzig. His high transfer fee forced unrealistic expectations, but in the last months, he has silenced his critics. 

The Croatian moves up and down the wing like never before, while also remaining deep in the trenches to allow his midfielders to take on higher positions – fitting seamlessly into Guardiola’s strategic framework.

From Manchester City’s perspective, the onus is on them to dominate and dictate the pace of the game. Wolverhampton might aim for a draw with a conservative approach. On Saturday, Manchester City will be taking the risk – which means the game will be a complete success or an absolute failure.

Manchester City vs Wolverhampton Betting Tip

• Pick: Manchester City to lead by two goals
• Odds: +300 (Tonybet)

There is nothing more difficult than scoring the first goal when it is required to crush an opposition that folds back. Once one wall has been torn down, the other three will follow rather quickly. The question is whether Manchester City can rely on individual brilliance, or that they have to apply sustained pressure until the opponent suffocates. 

This is a recurring question when positional teams face ‘minnows’, who understand that forcing the other team to take the risk is their only chance of survival. 

Despite Manchester City’s difficulties with breaking down these low blocks, they can’t afford even a draw. However, Wolverhampton has proven tricky for them at the Etihad, which suggests this match might not easily tip in City’s favour.

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.