EPL 2018-19: Three title defining fixtures this weekend

3. Manchester City vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (Monday, Jan 14 @20:00 GMT)

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City - Premier League

The current title holders Manchester City made a blistering start to the season, winning six and drawing one in the first seven games. They scored 21 goals and conceded just 3 in those seven games and maintained a clean sheet in four of the games.

Their form has not been the same in the last five games. They have won three games and lost two, while scoring 11 goals and conceding 8. However, they will take heart from the fact that they beat the table topper Liverpool in their last Premier League game to reduce the gap to four points.

Unlike last season when they were run away victors, this season the title race is much closer and tougher. But having won the title thrice and finishing runner-up twice in the last seven seasons, Manchester City very well know how to close the gap and go about the games in the second half of the season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers seem to be the party spoilers this season. They have surprised many, including their own fans, with some amazing results. This started with a draw at home against the title holders, this week’s opponent Manchester City. Then they drew against Manchester United and Arsenal away from home. They capped 2018 with a victory against Chelsea at home and defeating Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.

They have taken 9 points from seven games against the top 6 on the points table this season. So to assume the game against Nuno Espirito Santos’ Wolves would be a walk in the park can be perilous. With a 72% win record in his managerial career, Pep Guardiola is wise enough to keep his team focused on the title race. Wolves will have to play through their skin to come away with a point this weekend.