Pep Guardiola’s side kept their Champions League hopes firmly in their own hands on Friday night, squeezing past Wolverhampton Wanderers 1‑0 at the Etihad thanks to captain Kevin De Bruyne’s first‑half header. The narrow victory nudged City into third place and—crucially—extended their winning streak to four league matches, something they had not managed since August. ESPN.com
The result also halted Wolves’ eye‑catching six‑game surge. Gary O’Neil’s visitors arrived with the division’s hottest run of form and dreams of writing club history with a seventh straight win, but found clear chances scarce despite their recent attacking swagger. Covers.com
Why the three points matter
- City now sit two points clear of fifth place with three fixtures left, meaning a top‑four finish—and automatic Champions League entry—remains theirs to lose.
- Wolves stay seventh; European qualification is still possible, but they cannot afford another slip.
Super Sunday spotlight: Chelsea vs Liverpool
With the title already paraded at Anfield after last week’s 5‑1 thrashing of Tottenham, Arne Slot’s newly‑crowned champions travel to Stamford Bridge riding the glow of a record‑equalling 20th crown. Premier League NewsAl Jazeera
Chelsea, unbeaten in west London since December, have transformed the Bridge into a fortress under Enzo Maresca and are just a whisker outside the top four. A statement win over Liverpool would vault the Blues back into the Champions League conversation and end a four‑year hoodoo against the Reds. The SunDiario AS
Key angles to watch
| Side | What’s at stake | Recent trend |
|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | Break into top four; first win over Liverpool since 2021 | 3 W ‑ 1 D ‑ 1 L in last five; 11‑game unbeaten home run |
| Liverpool | Maintain momentum, chase 90‑point mark | Lost only twice all season; unbeaten in last eight versus Chelsea |
Numbers the punters will notice
- City 1‑0 Wolves: Money‑line backers of the Citizens cashed at around 1.30, while the under 2.5 goals market paid a healthy 2.10. Covers.com
- Chelsea vs Liverpool (opening lines via major books):
- Chelsea +210 | Draw +260 | Liverpool +125
- Both teams to score ‑145; over 2.5 goals ‑120.
Bottom line
Manchester City have steadied a wobbling season just in time, but Friday’s slender win shows the margin for error is vanishingly small. On Sunday, Liverpool arrive at Stamford Bridge with medals already secured—yet Chelsea’s hunger and home form promise a far sterner test than a routine lap of honour. Expect a high‑stakes chess match rather than a coronation.
Best lean: Both teams to score in west London looks the most dependable play.
