Man City line-up vs Wolves predicted as Ederson starts and Rodri call made

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Manchester City kick off their Premier League campaign against Wolves on Saturday

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola with Rodri during a training session(Image: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Manchester City begin their Premier League season at Wolves tonight with plenty of intrigue in Pep Guardiola's first XI of the new campaign.

The City boss has strengthened his squad significantly this summer and there could be a host of debuts at Molineux. But Guardiola still feels he has too many players in his squad and there will be as much focus on who is left out of the side as there will be on who is selected.

Guardiola confirmed ahead of the game that Ederson would be his first choice goalkeeper despite the uncertainty over the Brazilian's future amid City's interest in Gianluigi Donnarumma and capture of James Trafford this summer.

Rayan Ait-Nouri is certain to start at left-back and he could form part of an all ex-Wolves full-back pairing with Matheus Nunes on the other side. Ruben Dias will start at centre-back and with Josko Gvardiol out, Manuel Akanji could be in line to partner the Portugal international given John Stones has played precious little football in recent months.

In midfield, Rodri is fit enough to travel and will likely be part of the squad but starting the Spaniard feels an unnecessary risk with Guardiola having said the 29-year-old won't be fit enough to play 90 minutes until after the September international break. With Mateo Kovacic sidelined, Nico Gonzalez looks set to start in the number six role.

Tijjani Reijnders has surely done enough to earn the nod having scored twice against Palermo in an eye-catching 45 minutes. Fellow new signing Rayan Cherki could also start while Omar Marmoush can supply an attacking threat off the left.

Phil Foden missed the trip to Italy last week but travels and, if fit, could get the nod to complete the attacking trio but with Bernardo Silva captain this season, he could earn a spot behind certain starter Erling Haaland.

Oscar Bobb impressed against Palermo but might have to make do with a place on the bench, while Jeremy Doku could also be squeezed out. Savinho is injured while Ilkay Gundogan is likely to be among the replacements.

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