'Not convinced' - Man City doubts remain but pundits are all in agreement over Wolves prediction

City travel to Molineux to take on Wolves in the opening game of the Premier League season

Pundits Paul Merson (L) and Chris Sutton (R)(Image: Getty)

Manchester City kick off their pursuit of the Premier League title on Saturday evening when they travel to Molineux to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the opening game of the season.

City lost their four-year grip on the Premier League title last term and will be desperate to reclaim the crown this season.

And they will take on a Wolves side who made great strides under manager Vitor Pereira last term but who have since lost key men Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha.

Ahead of the game, a number of pundits have offered their predictions and they are all confident Pep Guardiola's side will kick the season off with a win.

Chris Sutton

The former Blackburn and Celtic forward told BBC Sport: "Wolves were always well organised last season under manager Vitor Pereira and they are a powerful team too, but they are going to miss Matheus Cunha - how do they replace his goals and assists?

"It is a worry for Manchester City that Rodri is injured again, but they are going to have to deal with that for the next few weeks.

"We don't really know how City will line up with their new players either, but they surely can't be as fragile - or rudderless - as they were without Rodri last season.

"Maybe City will turn up and blow Wolves away but I think this will be a lot closer than that."

Sutton's prediction: Wolves 1-2 Man City

Paul Merson

The Sky Sports pundit told SportsKeeda: "When I watched Wolves last season without Matheus Cunha, they didn't have that X-factor. He's gone permanently now and I worry for them.

"A 38-game season without a talisman like him would be hard. Even Rayan Ait-Nouri has left the club and could face them for the first time as a Manchester City player this weekend. The newly-promoted teams will definitely push hard to try and hunt Wolves down from the get-go.

"Even though it's a nightmare start for Wolves against Manchester City, the first game is also a bit of a leveller. It's better playing City now without Rodri than playing them in December, when they're firing on all cylinders.

"City are always going to be in the equation for the title race because of the quality they have in their team. Kevin De Bruyne will be a huge miss though, and Rodri will not be available from the start of the season. City will hope that Phil Foden can hit the ground running this weekend. He had a really quiet season last time around and must ensure he does not carry that lack of form into the new campaign.

"I'm not fully convinced about City. They still looked very open at the Club World Cup and teams can easily have a go at them. So I believe Wolves have a slight chance at getting something out of this game, if they perform well."

Merson's prediction: Wolves 1-2 Man City

Harry Redknapp

The former Tottenham boss told football betting site BetVictor: "Losing Cunha is a massive blow for Wolves, he was head and shoulders their best player last season. They’ve brought in a few signings, and I know the lad Arias really caught the eye during the Club World Cup.

"I’m excited to see City this season. It feels like a rebuild for Pep but I think he’ll be up for the challenge, and they’ve brought in some good additions so far. He’ll think his side has a point to prove this season.

"Cherki has to be the one to watch here. I’ve seen little glimpses of this lad, and he seems like a real maverick talent and if Pep can fully unleash him, he could be one of the signings of the season.

"I think City cruise this and lay down an early season marker."

Redknapp's prediction: Wolves 0-3 Man City