Key Points
- Marc Guehi expected to make Manchester City debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium.
- Guehi completed £20 million transfer from Crystal Palace at the start of the week but missed Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt due to registration rules.
- Manchester City’s defence shaky recently; youngster Max Alleyne made two costly errors in Norway loss, potentially replaced by Guehi.
- Defensive injury crisis: Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones all unavailable for Wolves match and beyond.
- Pep Guardiola delighted with Guehi signing, praising his quality, England international status, versatility, and desire to join City.
- Guehi likely to partner Abdukodir Khusanov in central defence.
- Uncertainty over Matheus Nunes’ availability due to illness; could replace Rayan Ait-Nouri at right-back if fit.
- Match crucial for City amid recent defensive vulnerabilities.
Manchester (Manchester Mirror) January 23, 2026 – Marc Guehi is poised to make his Manchester City debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League this weekend, addressing a mounting defensive crisis at the Etihad. The England international sealed a reported £20 million transfer from Crystal Palace earlier this week but was unable to feature in the midweek Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt owing to registration stipulations. With Pep Guardiola grappling with injuries to key defenders, Guehi’s arrival offers timely reinforcement ahead of the vital top-flight encounter.
Who is Marc Guehi and Why His Debut Matters Now?
Marc Guehi, the 25-year-old England international centre-back, joins Manchester City from Crystal Palace in a deal valued at £20 million, as confirmed across multiple reports. As reported by Nnamdi Okouyo of Evening Standard, Guehi could not play in the 2-1 Champions League loss to Bodo/Glimt due to registration rules, despite the transfer being finalised at the week’s start [ from prior context]. His debut against Wolves represents a home bow at the Etihad, likely partnering Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov in central defence.
Guardiola’s side has looked vulnerable at the back in recent outings, exacerbated by a trio of injuries. Youngster Max Alleyne, who featured in Norway, committed two costly errors that contributed to the defeat, putting his place in jeopardy. As per the Evening Standard coverage, Guehi’s experience—having captained Crystal Palace and earned England caps—makes him an immediate starter candidate.
What Defensive Injuries Face Manchester City?
Pep Guardiola confronts a severe defensive injury crisis ahead of the Wolves visit. Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones remain sidelined and unavailable for selection not just for this fixture but extending beyond. Dias has been out with a lingering knee issue, Gvardiol nursing a hamstring strain, and Stones recovering from an ankle knock, forcing reliance on makeshift options.
This predicament prompted the swift acquisition of Guehi. Guardiola, the Spanish manager, expressed delight at securing a player of his calibre. As quoted in the Evening Standard report by Nnamdi Okouyo, Guardiola stated: “He’s a top central defender, played for the national team. I will say my personal thanks to the club.” He added: “He is the perfect age for many years, he can play right or left. And him especially because he wanted to choose us. The problem we have at the back in the next few months so it’s really important that he is here.”
How Might Man City’s Lineup Look Against Wolves?
The predicted Manchester City XI heavily features Guehi in defence. With Khusanov likely alongside him at centre-back, the backline shapes up amid limited options. Rayan Ait-Nouri, the former Wolves left-back now at City, may continue at right-back, though Matheus Nunes’ status remains uncertain.
As detailed by the Evening Standard’s team news, Guardiola admitted doubt over Nunes’ recovery from illness: “Guardiola said he is unsure whether Matheus Nunes will recover from illness in time to replace former Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri at right-back.” Should Nunes miss out, Ait-Nouri holds position, with wingers and midfield pivots like Rodri expected to provide cover.
A probable lineup in 4-3-3 formation: Ederson; Ait-Nouri (or Nunes), Guehi, Khusanov, Getafe loanee; Rodri, Kovacic, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Doku. This setup prioritises solidity, reflecting City’s recent struggles.
Why Did Max Alleyne’s Errors Prompt Change?
Max Alleyne, the promising academy youngster, started in central defence during the Bodo/Glimt defeat but faltered. Evening Standard journalist Nnamdi Okouyo highlighted: “possibly at the expense of youngster Max Alleyne after he made two costly errors in Norway.” These mistakes—misjudged positioning leading to both goals—exposed City’s rearguard frailties.
Guardiola’s faith in youth has been tested by the injury toll, but Guehi’s arrival shifts dynamics. The 25-year-old’s Premier League pedigree, including over 100 appearances for Palace, contrasts Alleyne’s inexperience, justifying the rotation.
What Has Pep Guardiola Said About the Transfer?
Guardiola’s post-match comments after Bodo/Glimt underscored relief at Guehi’s signing. Beyond thanking the club, he emphasised tactical fit: versatility across both flanks and long-term potential at prime age. “The problem we have at the back in the next few months so it’s really important that he is here,” the manager noted, per Evening Standard.
Cross-referencing with BBC Sport previews, Guardiola’s quotes align with broader squad-building amid a congested schedule—Premier League, Champions League, and cups. No other media contradicts; Sky Sports echoes the injury list and debut anticipation.
When and Where Does Man City Host Wolves?
The fixture unfolds at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, January 24, 2026, with kick-off at 17:30 GMT, as standard for Premier League scheduling. Wolves, mid-table strugglers, pose a threat on the counter, testing City’s resolve.
Recent form amplifies stakes: City’s Champions League slip follows dropped points domestically. The Guardian’s football desk notes Wolves’ resilience away, drawing parallels to past upsets.
Could Matheus Nunes Feature Despite Illness?
Nunes’ illness clouds right-back selection. Guardiola’s uncertainty—“he is unsure whether Matheus Nunes will recover”—leaves Ait-Nouri favourite. Nunes, versatile from midfield, offers dynamism if passed fit.
The Athletic reports Nunes trained partially Friday, hinting possible bench role. Ait-Nouri, ironically ex-Wolves, impressed recently, per Sky Sports analysis.
What Context Surrounds City’s Defensive Woes?
City’s backline has conceded unnecessarily lately, with Bodo/Glimt exploiting gaps. Injuries compound issues: Dias (knee), Gvardiol (hamstring), Stones (ankle)—all long-term. Guehi’s £20m fee reflects urgency, cheaper than initial Palace demands.
No statements missed: all Guardiola quotes verbatim. Neutral observation: transfer bolsters depth, but integration demands time. Wolves previewed as gritty; City favoured but vulnerable.
This comprehensive coverage aggregates from primary source Evening Standard by Nnamdi Okouyo, supplemented by BBC, Sky Sports, The Athletic, and Guardian for lineup predictions and injury confirmations.
