Aston Villa approach their Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers with renewed confidence following an exhilarating 4-2 victory over Celtic in the UEFA Champions League. This triumph not only secured their place in the tournament's round of 16 but also added another memorable chapter to the storied history of Villa Park. With their focus now shifting back to domestic competition, Unai Emery's side currently occupies eighth place in the league and is eager to bolster their chances of European qualification.
In their most recent league outing, Villa played to a 1-1 draw against West Ham United, a result that has only intensified their determination to return to winning ways at Molineux. A victory would not only narrow the gap to the top six but also provide the satisfaction of completing a league double over Wolves, having previously secured a 3-1 win at Villa Park earlier this season.
Ahead of the match, Emery addressed the challenges posed by a congested fixture schedule, the threats presented by Wolves, and the current fitness status of his squad, as well as the ongoing speculation surrounding striker Ollie Watkins. He acknowledged the pressures of balancing commitments in both the Premier League and Champions League, emphasising the necessity for adaptability at such a high level of competition. “I don’t think how we are playing matches in a row with the demands we have, I don’t think it should be an excuse,” he stated. “Because if we want to increase our level, if we want to fight or to compete in the level we are now, we have to accept, we have to adapt.”
While Emery expressed a desire for more preparation time that a less hectic schedule would allow, he underscored the importance of embracing the current challenges. “For a long time, I am playing in Europe, and I know how we can prepare each match as well as possible,” he said. “Firstly, is resting, good food, and secondly, preparing matches with small work on the field and through meetings.”
Despite the quick turnaround following their European success, Emery is resolute in his intention to field his strongest line-up. “Tomorrow, I am not thinking to rest with the players maybe because they are tired, I am thinking to choose the best players we have,” he explained. “Resting, having good food, preparing the game tomorrow, respecting them, and playing 90 minutes at 100%.”
As Villa gears up for their encounter at Molineux with the aim of securing a league double over Wolves, Emery remains acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead. “Tomorrow the challenge is to compete,” he remarked. “Respecting them [Wolves], to adapt as well, how we have to face them with their tactical idea, with their game plan, with their individual skills. And of course, we have to try to dominate with our idea.”
Wolves enter this match amid a challenging run of form, yet Emery stressed the importance of his players maintaining focus. “To compete, to be focused, to be demanding, they are values always we are trying to set in each match,” he noted. “Tomorrow, we have players to be ready and waiting [for the] opportunity to play.”
In terms of team news, Villa will be without Matty Cash for several weeks following an injury sustained against Celtic, while Tyrone Mings remains a doubt due to a knee issue that has persisted since the match against West Ham. “We will train this afternoon, but Matty Cash is not available,” Emery confirmed. “He is going to be out for three or four weeks. Mings has a small injury, but I think he will need some days more to be ready to play.” Ross Barkley is also sidelined as he continues to recover from a calf injury. “Barkley still has work to do individually before he joins us,” Emery added.
With Arsenal reportedly interested in acquiring Watkins, Emery reassured fans that the striker remains committed to Aston Villa. “The commitment of Watkins is really a huge commitment to defend Aston Villa,” he remarked. “He appreciates how Aston Villa was always supporting him and helping him. Also, when we joined two years ago, how we always tried to get the best of him.”
Arsenal's approach for Watkins was made earlier this week; however, the striker demonstrated his focus by contributing a crucial goal and two assists against Celtic. Emery clarified that while transfer interest is indicative of Villa's upward trajectory, Watkins is dedicated to the club's ambitions. “When some teams are calling us being interested in the players, it is good for us and the players,” he said. “Some players prefer to leave and some players accept to stay here and commit to Aston Villa and compete for our challenges. One of them is Ollie Watkins.” When asked directly if Watkins had expressed his happiness to stay, Emery responded firmly: “Yes, he is happy to stay. We asked him how he is feeling and he is happy here.”
As reported by VAVEL.com, Villa's upcoming match against Wolves is pivotal for their season as they strive to build momentum in both league and European competitions.