Villama Preview: Aston Villa v Wolverhampton Wanderers

The loss to Tottenham Hotspur was disappointing given the buildup, with the North London outfit being in a rut and Aston Villa seeming like they were primed for a big win. Unfortunately for Villa, Spurs managed to get their act together and pull off the 2-1 win. The international break ensued shortly afterwards and now we’re blessedly back to club football.

Wolves come into Villa Park having won their last two matches, a 1-0 win over Southampton and 2-1 over Newcastle, and will look to continue that form. Key players to look for from Wolverhampton are the former Villan Adama Traore playing at right wing/foward and Hwang Hee-Chan also up front.

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Villa will likely stick with a 3-5-2, though it would be nice to see a 4-3-3 once everyone is fit. With that, there are a few questions as to who will fill in that lineup. Emi Martinez and Douglas Luiz may be held out due to the international break, and there are the ongoing injuries to the likes of Leon Bailey and Morgan Sanson, amongst others. Martinez is not as likely to be held out, but Luiz probably will be.

Marvelous Nakamba is the likely candidate to fill his boots, but Emi Buendia could also feature in the midfield. Elsewhere, Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, and Axel Tuanzebe should make up the back three, with Matty Targett to their left and Matty Cash to the right. The aforementioned midfield could consist of Nakamba, John McGinn, and Jacob Ramsey. Buendia could make an appearance at the expense of Jacob Ramsey or possibly Nakamba. Up front, you’ll see Danny Ings partnering with Ollie Watkins.

PREDICTION: Villa will have their hands full — Matty Targett in particular having to deal with Adama Traore, but an Aston Villa win is definitely attainable. It might not be the 4-1 Birkir Bjarnanson bulldozing of Wolves, but a 3-2 win would be more than sufficient.