Struggling Aston Villa host Rampant Wolverhampton Wanderers at Villa Park this Saturday. Dean Smith’s side need to win but it will not be easy against the Europe-chasing Wolves.
Struggling Aston Villa Host a Rampant Wolverhampton Wanderers
Aston Villa Fighting For Premier League Survival
The repeated failure of the relegation-threatened teams to pick up points has kept the fight against the drop really engaging. Just one point separates four teams from 16th to 19th. Aston Villa do not want to be between the two that drop out.
Finding victories have proven to be elusive for Aston Villa. The last time they won in the Premier League was on January 21, against Watford. However, they fought hard to pick up a valuable point at Newcastle United in their last match. Villa will need all that fighting spirit to stand any chances against an impressive Wolves side.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Gunning for Europe
Wolves have been mightily impressive since the day they were promoted to the Premier League two seasons ago. Their recent form has been absolutely sensational. Wolves have kept six clean sheets in the last seven games, losing just once in those matches. In both their victories after the break, Nuno Espírito Santo’s men have never looked out of control. It’s hard to see them losing that control this Saturday at Villa Park.
Currently, Wolverhampton Wanderers sit level on points with Manchester United in sixth place. The impressive Raúl Jiménez has scored in both games this month and Adama Traore has provided the assist on both occasions. With Willy Boly back, the defence is looking impenetrable as well. Wolves are going from strength and strength and they will definitely be up there for those European places. Could Wolves make the Champions League next season?
Team News
With games coming thick and fast, rotation is inevitable. Aston Villa do not really have that many quality options to call upon from the bench. Ahmed Elmohamady might make a claim for a starting place after his late goal in the last game. John McGinn has started all three matches for Villa since the restart, but him being able to start again remains to be seen.
Nuno Espírito Santo has made four changes each in the last two matches. He is not one to rotate unless absolutely needed. With a full week at his disposal after the Villa game, one would expect Nuno to pick his strongest XI in this game.
Prediction
Another team will fall prey to Wolves as they swat aside Aston Villa to a 2-0 away win.
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