Wolves return from the international break with the monumental task of facing Manchester City.
Still without a win after seven games played in the Premier League, the last thing Gary O’Neil would’ve wanted is to face Manchester City next.
Now that the October international break has come to a close, focus will return to domestic action, as Molineux prepares to host a blockbuster clash.
While the champions will arrive in the West Midlands as the firm favourites, O’Neil’s squad should carry some confidence into the fixture.
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What Gary O’Neil said after Wolves beat Man City
Last season, Wolves welcomed Man City to Molineux in almost identical circumstances to this term.
The Old Gold were the firm underdogs and desperate for a win when the two sides battled first in the 2023/24 campaign, but it was the hosts who came out on top.
O’Neil was heavily praised for his tactical nous after the fixture, where the manager gave an insight into one reason he believed his side were able to secure three points.
“I think Rodri missing was a big plus, I think Rodri makes that team tick a lot better,” O’Neil said in the post match press conference.
“Obviously no disrespect to anybody who played today but when he’s the pivot it’s a lot more difficult to stop.”
The Wolves boss was not wrong, as City’s win percentage drops without the Spaniard in their side in the Premier League, going from winning 74.1% with him to 61.9% without him.
O’Neil should be inspired by his team’s performance last year against the champions, and his post match comments, as City are set to travel to the Midlands without their famed midfielder.
Midfield battle crucial to get the better of Man City
Rodri suffered a gruelling ACL injury on match day five of the season, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign.
City will miss their prized asset, who has not been on the losing side of a Premier League game since February 2023, giving Wolves some food for thought leading into the fixture.
The midfield is where games can be won and lost and without Rodri, O’Neil should consider his side at a slight advantage.
Wolves’ strongest position is undoubtedly the middle of the park, where Mario Lemina, Joao Gomes and Andre have been fused together to represent an engine room that has a bit of everything.
If the Old Gold can dictate the tempo in midfield, the hosts will be at a better chance of getting a result, in what is poised to be a fascinating battle at Molineux.