Wolves vs Aston Villa – Analysis, Prediction, Team News

As part of our weekend Premier League predictions, we take a look at Aston Villa’s visit to Wolverhampton. A point here for Wolves would probably ensure their safety. Free betting tips and more with our Wolves vs Aston Villa prediction.

Team News

Injuries and Suspensions

Wolves:

Might Not Play: Semedo

Will Not Play: Kalajdzic, B Traore, Chiquinho

Aston Villa:

Might Not Play: Cash, Kamara, Coutinho, Bailey

Will Not Play: Steer

Wolves vs Aston Villa Lineups (Predicted)

Wolves (4-4-2 / 4-2-3-1): Sa; Bueno, Kilman, Collins, Semedo; Nunes, Neves, Lemina, Gomes; Cunha, Costa

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1 / 4-4-2): Martinez; Moreno, Mings, Konsa, Young; Dendoncker, Luiz; Ramsey, Buendia, McGinn; Watkins

Wolves vs Aston Villa Analysis

Wolves Must Get Back On Track After The Brighton Debacle

The result at the weekend was terrible for Wolves. Brighton’s hammering of them may have taken much of their confidence away. They should still be safe, but one more win would ensure it. In this match, we expect them to have a decent amount of the ball – both Wolves and Villa average 50 per cent possession this season. With the game being at Molineux and Wolves needing to make amends for the result at the weekend, we see this being a match where Wolves have a bit more possession. It will also be pretty end-to-end at other moments.

It is vital that the Wolves midfield and defence are compact and deny Villa space – they cannot afford to leave gaps all over the place as they did against Brighton; otherwise, Villa will exploit it. The centre-backs must prepare to defend one-on-one against Watkins and Ramsey. The midfield four will be pretty narrow, as Nunes and Gomes (if they start) will come inside to form a four. If the Wolves midfield can control the ball, they can get it forward quickly, and the two auxiliary wide men can join the attack. They have much running to do.

It will be crucial that the Wolves attackers – likely Costa and Cunha – hold the ball up and try to bully Mings and Konsa. If they can do this, there will be opportunities for them to shoot. The ability of Bueno and Semedo (if fit) to go forward will also be of much value to Wolves, as they will supply the crosses that the strikers can attack in the air. If Wolves need more width in attacking areas, they have plenty of options. Podence, Neto, Hwang, Sarabia and Adama Traore could all start or come on. They have a mixture of pace and trickery that can lead to crosses being delivered or getting shots on goal themselves.

Man Utd Stalled Villa’s Momentum, But They’re Still A Very Good Side

Villa were uncharacteristically poor at Old Trafford – Emery played a pretty kamikaze high line that United exploited, particularly in the second half. In this game at Molineux, we expect them to be direct and play on the counter again. Yes, Villa can play pretty patterns in midfield (and they will have spells where they have the ball). However, generally, we expect them to let Neves and Lemina have the ball and try to make the play. This way, Villa can press the Wolves midfielders and try to win the ball in midfield through Luiz and Dendoncker. Then they can get the ball forward quickly.

In attack, the two wide men operate more as narrow attacking midfielders. Indeed, Ramsey and McGinn are at their best when they come inside on their strong feet and try to slip little balls inside for Watkins to latch on to. Buendia, too, is a very clever player and will look to find gaps between the lines where he can quickly release Watkins. Watkins wasn’t his usual self against Man Utd. However, we expect him to be back on form here – his pace, shooting and dribbling in the left channel is a massive problem for Semedo and the right-hand-sided Wolves centre-back – indeed, at times, it may negate Semedo’s attacking threat.

McGinn and Ramsey can also play wider; crosses or cutbacks could come into the box through them and Moreno. Set pieces are also a vital part of Villa’s armoury. McGinn will often deliver for the likes of Dendoncker, Mings and Konsa to attack. Bertrand Traore and Duran are tricky and powerful options to introduce. The inventive Coutinho could also be back, as could Kamara in midfield.

Our Prediction

Wolves have experienced an up-and-down season, but their recent escapades at home have seen them almost safe. Indeed, they have won four of the last five at Molineux, which has them breathing a massive sigh of relief. Villa, too, were on a long goalscoring and unbeaten streak before Man Utd ended that at the weekend at Old Trafford. Given that both these teams are in the middle for possession, it is challenging to predict what the flow of the game will be – we think there will be spells where each have the ball (Wolves more often) and more end-to-end patterns at other times.

We think the result will be a draw or a narrow Villa win. Wolves have it in them to win, but Villa will likely resume their good form after what we expect to be a blip against Man Utd. They’ll probably get something in this game, as they have more firepower than Wolves and can score a goal or two on the counter to attain a narrow victory. However, a draw is a real possibility too.

Wolves 1-2 Aston Villa

Wolves vs Aston Villa Betting Tip – Aston Villa Odds: