Aston Villa journey on Friday evening for a West Midlands derby towards Wolverhampton Wanderers, realizing victory would reinforce their Champions League push.
Villa sit third within the Premier League, however their cushion is shrinking after only one win of their final 4 league outings.
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Sadly for the Villains, Molineux has not been a contented looking floor lately. Villa have gained solely as soon as on their final eight visits.
Nevertheless, they may again themselves to finish that hoodoo towards a Wolves aspect rooted to the foot of the desk, 17 factors from security and with only one league win all season.
The Villans know they’re there for the taking, however this can be a derby. They have to be cautious.
Match preview
Aston Villa had been held to a 1-1 draw of their final sport, rescued late by Tammy Abraham off the bench.
It was one other reminder that Unai Emery’s aspect is wobbling at an important stage of the marketing campaign.
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They continue to be third, however the chasing pack is closing. With fixtures towards Chelsea and Manchester United looming, this journey feels pivotal.
Emery has already warned towards complacency. Villa edged the reverse fixture 1-0 in November because of , regardless of being second greatest for lengthy spells.
Wolves, now led by Rob Edwards, are extra organised than their place suggests.
They drew with Arsenal at Molineux and had been seconds away from factors towards Crystal Palace final week.
However objectives stay a obtrusive difficulty. Simply 18 in 28 matches tells its personal story.
Villa, against this, boast the third-best away file within the division, with 22 factors from 13 video games. If they’re critical about locking down a top-four end, that is non-negotiable.
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Derbies hardly ever observe the script. However on paper, the hole in high quality is stark.
Match stats
Wolves have gained 4 of their final six house league video games towards Villa.
Villa have tasted victory simply as soon as of their final eight journeys to Molineux.
The guests have collected 22 away factors this season, the third-best tally within the league.
Wolves have only one Premier League win all marketing campaign and the worst house file within the division. Villa are in search of a primary league double over Wolves since 2003/04.
Aston Villa staff information
Youri Tielemans (ankle), John McGinn (knee), Boubacar Kamara (knee) and Harvey Elliott stay sidelined, leaving Emery mild in midfield.
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Alysson is a doubt with a knock.
Tammy Abraham scored off the bench towards Leeds and has a superb file towards Wolves, however the Ollie Watkins is anticipated to proceed main the road.
Ross Barkley and Jadon Sancho impressed as substitutes final day out, although Leon Bailey ought to retain his place on the suitable.
Ian Maatsen, 23, continues in defence after usurping Lucas Digne’s beginning berth.
Aston Villa predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Emiliano Martinez; Matty Money, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Ian Maatsen; Amadou Onana, Douglas Luiz; Leon Bailey, Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Buendia; Ollie Watkins.