Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to face a crucial encounter against Aston Villa as they seek to end a troubling run of four consecutive defeats in the Premier League. Currently languishing in 18th place, Wolves find themselves in a precarious position, with relegation looming large. The urgency to secure vital points has never been greater.
As the pressure mounts, every match becomes increasingly critical for Wolves in their fight to retain their Premier League status. In contrast, Aston Villa are pursuing European qualification but have struggled with inconsistency, managing just two victories in their last six league outings. However, a recent win against Celtic in the UEFA Champions League could provide Villa with a much-needed confidence boost, and they will be eager to build on this success.
Reports from The Hard Tackle indicate that Wolves will be without several key players due to injuries. Yerson Mosquera, Boubacar Traore, Enso Medina, and Sasa Kalajdzic are all sidelined with knee injuries, while Jorgen Larsen is dealing with a thigh issue. Carlos Forbs is unavailable due to an ankle injury, Leon Chiwone has a knee problem, and Mario Lemina is absent as he navigates his future. Additionally, Joao Gomes is suspended following a red card received in a previous match against Arsenal.
Wolves are expected to adopt a 4-4-1-1 formation for this encounter, with Sam Johnstone in goal. The full-back positions will be occupied by Matt Doherty and Nelson Semedo, who will aim to establish a solid defensive presence. Santiago Bueno and Craig Dawson are set to partner in central defence. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Rayan Ait-Nouri are likely to occupy the wide positions, contributing to both defensive duties and attacking efforts. Tommy Doyle and Andre will provide stability in midfield, while Matheus Cunha is anticipated to play as the attacking midfielder, supporting Hwang Hee-chan, who will lead the line.
On the other hand, Aston Villa are also grappling with injury challenges, with Pau Torres, Ross Barkley, Tyrone Mings, Amadou Onana, and Matty Cash unavailable. The recent transfer of Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr has further compounded their woes.
Villa are likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Emiliano Martinez in goal. The full-backs, Andres Garcia and Lucas Digne, are expected to play dual roles in both defence and attack. Diego Carlos is set to partner with Ezri Konsa in central defence. In midfield, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans will aim to control the tempo of the match. The wide positions will be filled by Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey, who are tasked with providing creativity and pace. Morgan Rogers is anticipated to operate as the attacking midfielder, creating opportunities for Ollie Watkins, who will spearhead the attack.
Morgan Rogers has been noted for his impressive form this season and is considered a key player for Aston Villa. Wolves are likely to adopt a defensive strategy, aiming to frustrate their opponents and secure a positive outcome. Rogers' abilities in passing, creativity, technical skill, and vision will be essential for Villa as they attempt to navigate a compact Wolves defence.
Despite Wolves’ determination to secure a result, their recent form has been underwhelming, and they face a challenging fixture against a talented Aston Villa side. This match promises to be fiercely contested, yet Villa's superior quality may ultimately prevail. Predictions from The Hard Tackle suggest a narrow 2-1 victory for Unai Emery's team, reflecting the optimism surrounding Villa's potential to secure a crucial away win.