Wolverhampton-Aston Villa is a match on the eighth day of the Premier League and is played on Sunday at 3pm: TV, formations, predictions.
Wolverhampton have done it big. A week ago Gary O’Neil’s black-and-golds inflicted their first defeat of the season (in 90 minutes) on Manchester City, who were top of the table and still on full points after the first seven days of the season. The goal that castigated Pep Guardiola’s side (2-1) was scored by South Korean striker Hwang, who took advantage of an assist from Brazilian Cunha.
Up until then Wolves had only beaten Everton at Goodison Park, collecting one draw and four defeats. And, only a few days earlier, came the elimination from the League Cup through a Championship team like Ipswich Town (3-2). In short, the surprising affirmation against the all-time champions City could generate the emotional ‘jolt’ that Wolverhampton, a club that in theory would have all the right cards to be on the left side of the table, badly needs after a turbulent summer. Wolves’ season, in fact, began with the break between the management and former coach Lopetegui, who was probably dissatisfied with a market characterised more by excellent disposals than signings.
Three wins in a row for the Villans (in the league)
In their second consecutive home match Wolverhampton will also look to trip Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, who may be coming off cup fatigue.
Digne
The Villans, back in Europe after so many years, are involved in the Conference League and on Thursday their first win in the competition came against Bosnian outfit Zrinjski Mostar, who were beaten 1-0 at Villa Park but only in the dying moments thanks to a McGinn goal. It was not a scintillating performance from the Birmingham club, who had probably been at their best a few days earlier in the league match against Brighton, who were beaten 6-1. With a win, Aston Villa could make an important leap up the table: they are currently fifth on 15 points, a position they share with De Zerbi’s Brighton.
The Prediction
A bit of data to start with: Aston Villa haven’t beaten Wolverhampton since December 2020 and Wolves are a real black beast for coach Emery, who has never managed to get the better of them even in his previous experience as Arsenal coach. We could therefore see a more balanced game than expected, with the hosts taking advantage of the momentum from their success with City: it cannot be ruled out that they will be able to avoid defeat this time as well.
Wolverhampton v Aston Villa likely line-ups
- WOLVERHAMPTON (3-4-3): José Sa; Kilman, Toti, Dawson; Semedo, Gomes, Lemina, Ait-Nouri; Neto, Cunha, Hwang.
- ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne; Kamara, Douglas Luiz; McGinn, Diaby, Zaniolo; Watkins.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
