MATCH PREVIEW
The reverse fixture at Villa Park earlier this season arguably marked the beginning of the end for Dean Smith. Supporters will no doubt recall Villa’s alarming collapse from a comfortable 2-0 lead, the manner of which the regime and some players struggled to recover.
Wolves used the result as a springboard for their season, evidenced by a 10 point gap over Villa, despite being just a place above us in the league.
It’s been all change at Villa since then of course, with a complete reversal of psyche under Steven Gerrard. Gerrard hasn’t had things his own way though, with an upturn in overall form punctuated by a smattering of disappointing sub-par displays and frustrating defeats.
Villa go to the Molineux looking to avoid a 3rd straight loss, having been un-done against West Ham and out-footballed by Arsenal last time out.
There is certainly cause for optimism though. The hosts will be without both Ruben Neves and striker Raul Jimenez and having observed Wolves’ recent capitulation against Leeds, suggest Villa could exploit their defence with an array of attacking options.
VILLA TEAM NEWS
Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings (Captain), Digne
McGinn, Sanson, Ramsey, Bailey,
Coutinho, Watkins
On The Bench For Villa:
Olsen, Chambers, Young, Luiz, Iroegbunam, Chukweumeka, Buendia, Traore.
PREDICTION
Villa’s injury woes have eased finally and the visitors are missing key figures in Neves and Jimenez. Gerrard will want to see a response from the visible lack of belief against Arsenal and will be eager to stay in the top half of the division. Villa have shored up at the back since Gerrard’s arrival, but the key today will be unlocking the attacking combination which will be most effective in hurting Wolves.
Villa Underground Prediction: Wolves 0-2 Aston Villa
IN QUOTES
Embed from Getty ImagesThey’re well coached, they’re well organised, they’re always in games and they’ve got big talents throughout the squad. They’re above us in the league, we’ve got a game in hand and an opportunity to claw some points back, so it’s a big game for us
STEVEN GERRARD ON WOLVES
OPPOSITION VIEW
Embed from Getty ImagesNo Raul and no Neves. Raul is suspended from the Leeds match and Neves is out injured for another 4 weeks. Wolves’ season is pretty much over unfortunately. The clubs failure to invest in the summer and during the last transfer window means that we will now struggle to get results.
Greg (Wolves supporter)
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