Ahead of Saturday’s West Midlands derby, we have the Wolves vs Aston Villa preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups.
Wolves Vs Aston Villa Preview
Since brushing aside Manchester United on Boxing Day, Wolves have picked up just one point from their last five Premier League outings.
To cut the Old Gold some slack, the four defeats in that run came against Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Chelsea and Arsenal. All of whom are challenging for European football.
The latest loss came at Molineux last weekend when a highly-controversial red card to the Gunners’ Myles Lewis-Skelly looked to have given the home side the advantage.
However, Joao Gomes was sent off for Vitor Pereira’s men and Riccardo Calafiori netted the only goal of the game four minutes later.
As it stands, Wanderers occupy the last relegation berth in 18th spot. A point against their rivals could be enough to see them move clear of danger. Depending on other results, of course.
Taking on Villa at home on Saturday. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/eSSZg9afKl
— Wolves (@Wolves) January 29, 2025
Aston Villa go toe-to-toe with their rivals still celebrating automatic qualification to the UEFA Champions League last-16 knockout stage.
Morgan Rogers was the hat-trick hero at Villa Park as the Lions beat Celtic 4-2 to confirm 8th spot in the new-look league phase. Star striker Ollie Watkins also netted in the win.
Domestically, Villa will be aiming to ramp up their top-four chances with a victory on Saturday night. Last weekend, West Ham left the second city with a valuable point after a 1-1 draw.
Jacob Ramsey opened the scoring early on before a fine header by Emerson Palmieri secured a point for Graham Potter’s side.
Ahead of GW24, the best football betting sites in the UK price Aston Villa as the 6/5 favourites. Wolves can be backed at 5/2 with the draw 27/10.
Wolves Vs Aston Villa Team News
Joao Gomes will sit the game out owing to his red card against Arsenal last weekend. Former captain Mario Lemina isn’t expected to feature as he tries to force a move away from Wolves.
Sasa Kalajdzic, Boubacar Traore, Enso Gonzalez, Yerson Mosquera and Carlos Forbs are all sidelined with injury and won’t be available for selection.
Jorgen Strand Larsen is also an injury doubt. The striker came off with a muscle complaint against the Gunners. Therefore, the in-demand Matheus Cunha could lead the line.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa will have to make do without Amadou Onana, Pau Torres and Ross Barkley. The latest Tyrone Mings injury update isn’t as bad as first feared.
The centre-back came off against West Ham but insisted his knee problem is not as bad as first feared. Matty Cash joins the treatment room after coming off against Celtic.
January signing Donyell Malen is in line for his first start. The Dutchman played 25 minutes in the 1-1 draw against the Hammers last weekend.
A trip across to Molineux 🔜 pic.twitter.com/As4qapvhaj
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 31, 2025
Wolves Vs Aston Villa Predicted Lineups
Wolves (3-4-2-1): Sa; Agbadou, Bueno, Toti; Semedo, Andre, Doyle, Ait-Nouri; Sarabia, Hwang; Cunha
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Maatsen, Konsa, Kamara, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Bailey, Rogers, Malen; Watkins
Wolves Vs Aston Villa Prediction
Although Aston Villa are still flying high after their midweek UEFA Champions League exertions, we fancy Wolves to nick a tight West Midlands derby.
Villa will likely be feeling jaded and the Old Gold can capitalise to re-ignite their Premier League survival hopes infront of a passionate Molineux crowd.
Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Aston Villa
