Manchester City are set to face Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend at Molineux, with Pep Guardiola’s men aiming to extend their unbeaten run this season. While the champions will be looking for a commanding win, there’s an intriguing question hanging in the air: could Guardiola unleash one of City’s brightest young stars on Sunday?
James McAtee has been in sensational form during the international break, making headlines with England’s under-21s. The young midfielder netted three goals in two games, showcasing not only his scoring ability but also the full range of his talents. McAtee returns to Manchester on the back of these standout performances, looking primed to play a more significant role for the champions this season.
But will Guardiola take the leap and start McAtee against Wolves? That’s the million-dollar question. There’s no doubt McAtee is riding a wave of confidence after his international success. However, there’s a big difference between under-21 football and the intensity of a Premier League clash. Despite Wolves currently languishing at the bottom of the table, they’re a side capable of causing problems on their day. This could be a factor Guardiola considers before handing McAtee a starting berth.
Yet, it feels like the moment is right for McAtee to step up. His recent form suggests he’s ready for a larger role at City. The performances he delivered over the break reflect a player who is maturing and gaining the confidence needed to thrive at the highest level. Molineux might just be the perfect stage for McAtee to make his first Premier League start—a venue where City fell short last season, making it the ideal setting for redemption and a fresh spark from one of their young talents.
The clock is ticking on whether Guardiola will give McAtee his chance from the opening whistle. The signs all point to the youngster being ready, but only time will tell if Sunday’s lineup includes the exciting playmaker. Whenever the call comes, McAtee looks more than prepared to make a real impact for City, as his international break heroics have shown.
