Wolves return to action in the Premier League on Saturday night and have been handed a confidence boost ahead of their daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City.
On Saturday evening, Gary O’Neil will be hoping that his side can build on their win against Luton Town last weekend, facing a challenge with contrasting effects.
Wolves faced the Hatters who are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table and will face Manchester City next, the side currently in control of the Premier League title race.
While facing Pep Guardiola’s treble winners away from home is perhaps one of the more daunting tasks on the English football calendar, Wolves must not be unnerved by the job in hand, as O’Neil has the answers to how to defeat the reigning champions.
Back in September, the Old Gold secured a memorable win over City at Molineux, winning 2-1 to take a huge three points from one of the best sides in the world.
With three games left of the season, the consequences of the game are far greater, with the title race now between two clubs however, Wolves have been backed to cause Guardiola problems in Manchester on Saturday.
Manchester City told to ‘fear’ Wolves on Saturday
City will undoubtedly be the favourites going into the fixture, based solely on the fact that they haven’t lost at home this season.
That being said, stranger things have happened in football, with journalist Nathan Judah sharing his verdict on the game when speaking on the E&S Wolves Podcast.
“I genuinely think something will go on in this game, whether it’s Wolves score first or its level going deep into the second half.
“I just feel that they will give a lot of those people who have already written them off something to fear.”
Judah’s statement on Wolves being written off rings true, with City known for their relentless streaks at the end of the season however, history exists to be broken.
Why Wolves have a chance to cause Manchester City problems on Saturday
Four teams have secured a result against City at the Etihad this season, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal, all of which are sides that play a direct style of football, something that O’Neil’s Wolves squad is known for.
As seen on many occasions this term, the key to beating City is more times than not achieved mentally, with so many teams heading to the Etihad with fear already installed and defeat already accepted before kick-off.
That streak is rarely seen in Wolves’ approach to play this season, with O’Neil placing so much faith into his players to force them to believe a result is possible regardless of the opponent.
The direct players that the Old Gold have in their arsenal will be alert to cause City problems on Saturday, in what will be a thrilling game to watch between two exciting sides when the stakes are incredibly high.