Premier League: City Must Tame Wolves to Keep Title Hopes Alive

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City

Manchester City’s grip on the Premier League title is seemingly slipping away heading into the festive period. The defending champions are now 11 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool, who still have a game in hand.

And there’s a very real possibility that gap gets bigger by the weekend as the Citizens face a tricky test away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wolves recently had their long unbeaten run snapped but bounced back with a fine away victory last time out.

The Premier League 2019 betting odds point toward another City victory. But Wolves have had a strong record against the top six sides and will be out to deal another massive blow to City’s title hopes.

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Talking Points

Wolves in fine form

Wolves finally tasted defeat for the first time in 11 matches with a dramatic defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs snatched a late victory thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Jan Vertonghen.

During their long unbeaten run, Wolves had five victories and six draws, with three of those wins coming at home.

Wolves bounced back from that Spurs setback by coming from behind to beat Norwich away. Second-half goals from Romain Saiss and Raul Jimenez saw them get back to winning ways.

It was especially promising for Wolves to see Jimenez get back on the scoresheet. After going on a remarkable run of scoring in seven goals in eight games, the Mexican had gone without a goal in his last four outings. Although, he still contributed three assists during that time.

Wolves are looking for Premier League double victory over defending champions Manchester City — Adama Traore have scored 3 goals and produced 3 assists this season

Wolves have had a strong record against the top sides in the league because those matches suit their style perfectly. They are more than willing to allow their opposition to have possession as they look to play on the counterattack with Jimenez and speedster Adama Traore.

And with City’s backline looking vulnerable at times this season, Wolves should have at least some opportunities to score at home.

City rediscovering dominance

Manchester City had quite a rough patch from the start of November until the first week of December. During that span, they won just two of their seven matches in all competitions, with two defeats and three draws.

However, they have steadily improved their performances in recent weeks as they’ve won their last four matches in all competitions since losing the Manchester derby.

Their Premier League 2019 results during that time have been especially impressive. After demolishing Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates, they came from behind and put three goals past second-placed Leicester City in a 3-1 victory.

The fine play of midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne has been a major reason for their resurgence. The brilliant Belgian tore Arsenal to shreds with two goals and had another terrific performance against Leicester.

Gabriel Jesus has also done a fine job deputising for Sergio Aguero as the focal point of the City attack. The Brazilian has delivered six goals and two assists in the last six games.

Although, Aguero finally made his return as a substitute against Leicester and will be gunning to win back his starting spot.

However, it’s in defence where City continue to have concerns. The champions have kept only one clean sheet in their last 13 matches in all competitions.

History

Unsurprisingly, City have had the upper hand in recent matchups with Wolves, with six wins in their last eight. Although, they suffered their first defeat to Wolves in close to a decade last season as they were shocked 2-0 at home. Adama Traore was the star for Wolves as he bagged a late brace to sink the champions.

Aside from that win, Wolves also held City to a 1-1 draw at Molineux back in 2018. Two centre-backs — Willy Boly for Wolves and Aymeric Laporte for City — got the goals in that match, although neither will be able to take part in this fixture due to injury.

Betting Tip

	Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City	Wolverhampton Wanderers Asian Handicap +1.50 @ 1.76
	December 28, 03:45 (GMT+8)

SBOBET odds have Wolves as massive underdogs at home at 7.20 to win on the 1X2 market. Meanwhile, City are significant favourites at 1.40 to grab another away win and a draw is priced at 4.60.

Don’t let those odds fool you, though; Wolves are very much live underdogs who are capable of causing City some problems given their style of play.

As such, I am leaning toward Wolves on the Asian Handicap. While getting all three points will be a tall task against a resurgent City side, Wolves are certainly capable of limiting the damage the champions can inflict. That’s why I’m going for the home side at +1.50 as they give City all they can handle.