Wolves are enduring some ups and downs recently in the league, as they next host Aston Villa at the Molineux Stadium. Wolves sit 8th in the table and are fighting for European football this season. However, they are four points off the last European spot and need a win here. Meanwhile, Aston Villa are steadily progressing under Steven Gerrard, who are next to Wolves in the table.
Bruno Lage has taken Wolves to new heights this season. The club is in contention for European football having a realistic chance of qualifying. But consistency is the key and Lage’s men are away from it in the last few games. The last game against Leeds saw a total collapse of the Wolves despite taking a 2-0 lead. Leeds made a comeback in the second half to win 2-3 at the Molineux. Wolves will want to bounce back from the debacle with a win here against Aston Villa.
Wolves Premier League form: L L W W L
Aston Villa have rejuvenated themselves with a brilliant January transfer market. Philippe Coutinho and Matt Targett were acquired on loan, whereas Lucas Digne and Calum Chambers were signed permanently. Steven Gerrard is doing quite a fantastic job as well, taking the club to ninth in the table. However, Aston Villa faces Wolves on the back of a loss as well, looking to make a comeback.
Aston Villa Premier League form: W W W L L
Wolves vs Aston Villa: Team News
The Wolves team news
Raul Jimenez was sent-off in the last game against Leeds, and hence his 2-game ban begins from this game. Wolves were dealt with another big blow as Ruben Neves is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Hwang Hee-Chan and Joao Moutinho would replace the duo respectively.
Pedro Neto is back in full training and could be available at Lage’s disposal here. Nelson Semedo has upped his recovery from a muscle injury but is still a doubt for this game. Trincao was fabulous in the last game, bagging a goal and an assist that could earn him a start.
Wolves possible starting line-up:
Jose Sa; Willy Boly, Conor Coady, Romain Saiss; Jonny, Dendoncker, Moutinho, Ait-Nouri; Trincao, Hee-Chan, Podence
The Villans’ team news
Steven Gerrard has little to worry about the availability of his players. Calum Chambers was rested against his former club but could be in contention to play a part in this game. Lucas Digne was back from injury during the international break playing a full 90 minutes for France. As a result, he could start for Aston Villa against Wolves.
But there are still doubts in the Villa squad. Marvelous Nkamba’s availability is unclear as he is recovering from a knee injury. Leon Baily will also be assessed before the game, forcing Gerrard to make a late call on the winger’s participation in the match.
Aston Villa’s possible starting line-up
Emiliano Martinez; Matthew Cash, Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Digne; John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey; Buendia, Coutinho; Ollie Watkins
Our Prediction
Wolves 1-2 Aston Villa
Wolves are low on morale, whereas Aston Villa are full of confidence. Though Villa lost their last game against Arsenal, the Midlands club has its players in quite good form. Wolves have failed to cope-up with Neves’ absence, and now Jimenez is out as well for a couple of games. On the other hand, Steven Gerrard has a lot of options to rotate and freshen up his attack. With Coutinho, Watkins, Ramsey, and Buendia all are in scintillating form, expect Aston Villa to hand Wolves their second successive defeat.
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