Manchester City begin their title chase on Saturday evening at Molineux, taking on a Wolves side tipped for a survival scrap. The champions-in-waiting tag is quieter than usual after last year’s third-place finish, but the weight of history still leans heavily City’s way. Few clubs start faster. City have claimed victory in 13 of their last 14 Premier League openers and are embarking on a ninth straight season beginning away from home. They have won seven of the previous eight of those road openers, scoring freely and barely conceding. August tends to suit them too, with just one defeat in their last 31 league matches played in the month. Pep Guardiola’s men have had a stripped-back prep: one friendly, a 2-0 win over Palermo on 9 August. That economy of minutes could leave them short of rhythm, yet the squad’s muscle memory often bridges any early-season gap. The broader reset is notable: more than £300m invested across the last eight months and changes on the bench, including the arrival of Pep Lijnders as assistant, signal fresh ideas alongside familiar control. Vitor Pereira calmed the waters last term, steering Wolves well clear of danger. The departure of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, however, strips away creativity and ball-carrying threat. Recruits Fer Lopez, Jhon Arias and David Moller Wolfe join after Jorgen Strand Larsen’s loan was made permanent, a roughly £70m outlay that must translate quickly. Pre-season offered little comfort, with three defeats and a draw against Championship opposition hinting at teething problems. 18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change 18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change If you are on the lookout for the latest free bet offers, then look no further. Here, not only do we bring you numerous free bet offers, but all from the very best betting sites in the industry. Each bookie we recommend is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you are always betting on a safe and trustworthy site. Check out the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers here . Full terms and conditions apply | gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+ | UK only READ MORE: Free Bets & Bookmaker Sign Up Offers Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too. We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit gambleaware.org .