On Saturday, at 12:30, Wolverhampton and Aston Villa meet in the 12th round of the Premier League, in a very “hot” local derby in the Midlands. The two cities are separated by a very short distance, but fans will not be able to reach the stands for this special game. Obviously, Nuno Espirito Santo’s “wolves” are favorites for success on Molineux.
Without Jimenez and Jonny, Wolverhampton remain their first chance at success, although Nuno Santo’s top scorers will not be on the pitch. Furthermore, Diogo Jota’s departure to Liverpool has an important impact on the game played by Wolves, who relies rather on a good circulation of the ball and on a solid defense, in a fluid 3-4-3 system. Engels, Wesley, Barkley, Davis, Guilbert, Hause and Heaton will not play at Aston Villa, all of them with medical problems. Of these, Barkley and Guilbert could be recovered in time.
Wolverhampton started the season difficult and is on the 10th place (goal average 11-15), with 17 points. Aston Villa is only two points behind, in 12th place, being one of the two teams in the Premier League that has not yet drawn in the 2020/2021 season!
The tie is possible even in the match on Molineux, because the balance between the two teams is very well illustrated by the standings. Aston Villa has a more dangerous attack, but has paid “tribute” to defensive errors this season. Her goal average is very much impacted by the 7 goals scored in Liverpool’s goal, at the beginning of the season. That being said, Dean Smith’s band is a truly formidable rival.
However, Villa comes after four defeats in the last five stages: 0-3 with Leeds, 3-4 with Southampton, 1-2 with Brighton (all at home) and 1-2 at West Ham, away. The only “relief” of the band from Birmingham: a brilliant 3-0 away to Arsenal. “We’re on the right track, but we need to learn to manage when we can’t dominate our opponents,” said Dean Smith.
Wolves lost without appeal last season, score 0-4 at Anfield, with Liverpool, after a good series of results with Crystal Palace (2-0), Arsenal (2-1) and Southampton (1-1). Speaking of the possibility of a draw, we see that the draw has not been recorded in this direct duel since 2016, ie 6 consecutive matches! Wolves has 4 wins since then, and Villa only two.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Patricio; Semedo, Boly, Coady, Marcal; Dendoncker, Neves, Moutinho; Traore, Podence, Neto
Coach: Nuno Espirito Santo
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz, Hourihane; Trezeguet, Watkins, Grealish
Coach: Dean Smith
In 3 of the last 4 direct duels both teams scored;
Aston Villa lost the two duels with Wolverhampton, from last season, 1-2 and 0-1;
At least three goals have been scored in 6 of the last 7 matches played by Aston Villa;
At least two goals have been scored in 5 of Wolverhampton’s last 6 matches;
Villa have not conceded a goal after 50 minutes in any of the away matches this season;
Aston Villa have not conceded a goal after 75 minutes this Premier League season;
PREDICTION: Both teams to score / YES @ 1,79
