After back-to-back defeats and a supporter refund organised by City’s leadership, Guardiola insists his squad remains "extraordinary." Newly signed Marc Guehi may debut as injuries bite. Betting implication: expect Man City to be favourites at the Etihad with shorter odds for a home win and Erling Haaland as an anytime scorer.
Guardiola Fires Back After Consecutive City Setbacks
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola launched a robust defence of his squad after successive defeats to Manchester United and Bodø/Glimt, insisting his players remain "extraordinary" despite a bruising week. City lost 2-0 at Old Trafford and then 3-1 in Norway, results that prompted the club’s leadership group to organise refunds for supporters who attended the Champions League fixture.
Leadership Response and Fan Refunds
The club’s leadership—Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland—moved to address fan dissatisfaction by arranging refunds for ticket holders after the Norway defeat. Guardiola used the moment to stress unity and confidence in his squad, saying he has "no doubts" about the team’s quality and ability to recover.
Injury Woes and Defensive Reinforcements
Injury problems have forced Guardiola into selection changes, with Josko Gvardiol, John Stones and Rúben Dias currently sidelined. Newly signed Marc Guehi is expected to step straight into the XI at centre-back, and Antoine Semenyo is set to be recalled after being ineligible for the recent European tie. Guardiola described Guehi as "exceptional" and believes the new addition will help resolve the side’s fragility.
Wolves Preview: Etihad Return and Tactical Questions
City return to Premier League action against Wolves at the Etihad, where Guardiola will seek an immediate response. Tactics and personnel choices will be under scrutiny as City aim to close the gap on league leaders and rebuild momentum following back-to-back defeats.
What This Means for Bettors
Form and squad changes make for shifting betting markets.
Expect City to be installed as favourites at home, with bookmakers likely to shorten odds for a Manchester City win and markets such as Erling Haaland anytime scorer or Marc Guehi making his debut attracting interest.
Punters should monitor team news for final line-ups, as late injury updates could affect goalscorer and handicap markets.
Cole Palmer Has Made Feelings Clear About Man Utd Amid Shock Links
Pep Guardiola has launched a passionate defence of his Manchester City team following back-to-back defeats to Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt by insisting his players remain "extraordinary."
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