Wolves vs Aston Villa: Premier League Derby Preview & Insights

Fixture: Wolves vs Aston Villa

Date: Saturday, 1 February 2025

Kick-Off: 17:30 GMT

Venue: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton

Two Midlands rivals lock horns at Molineux as Wolverhampton Wanderers face Aston Villa in a critical clash for both sides. Wolves are desperate to reverse a poor run of form, while Villa aim to build on their recent Premier League run to maintain their push for a European spot. This match promises intensity, with both sides needing a positive result for their respective campaign objectives.

• Yerson Mosquera: Knee injury 
• Joao Gomes: Suspended until 16th February
  

• Pau Torres: Foot injury 
• Ross Barkley: Calf injury (Doubtful)
  

• Arsenal (H): 0-1 (Loss)
• Chelsea (A): 1-3 (Loss)
• Newcastle (A): 0-3 (Loss)
• Nott'm Forest (H): 0-3 (Loss)
• Tottenham (A): 2-2 (Draw)
  

• West Ham (H): 1-1 (Draw)
• Arsenal (A): 2-2 (Draw)
• Everton (A): 1-0 (Win)
• Leicester (H): 2-1 (Win)
• Brighton (H): 2-2 (Draw)
  

• Goalkeeper: José Sá
• Defenders: Santiago Bueno, Emmanuel Agbadou, Matt Doherty
• Midfielders: Rayan Aït-Nouri, Tommy Doyle, André, Nélson Semedo
• Forwards: Pablo Sarabia, Matheus Cunha, Jørgen Strand Larsen
  

• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
• Defenders: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne
• Midfielders: Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans
• Attacking Midfielders: Jacob Ramsey, Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey
• Forward: Ollie Watkins
  

• Strengths: Wolves have shown discipline in defensive phases, but their midfield battle against Villa’s quality will be crucial.
• Weaknesses: Goal-scoring remains a significant issue, as Matheus Cunha has struggled to convert key chances.
  

• Strengths: Villa’s midfield is stacked with creativity, with Jacob Ramsey and Youri Tielemans key to breaking Wolves’ lines. Ollie Watkins’ pace and finishing ability can exploit Wolves' vulnerable defence.
• Weaknesses: Defensive lapses under pressure, especially in wide areas, could be exposed.
  

• Matheus Cunha vs Tyrone Mings: Cunha must rediscover form to trouble Mings, who will be pivotal in Villa’s backline.
• Jacob Ramsey vs Andre: Ramsey’s attacking surges will test Andre’s defensive work rate.
• Ollie Watkins vs José Sá: Watkins' sharpness in front of goal could make the difference in a closely contested match.
  

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has scored in three consecutive matches against Wolves, including a brace at Molineux in 2023. Will he continue his streak in this encounter?

This Midlands derby is set to deliver drama, with both teams battling for critical points at opposite ends of the table.

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