Aston Villa’s recent performances have made headlines, marking a sensational start to their season. On Tuesday night, they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Young Boys in their first UEFA Champions League game since the 1980s. This followed a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 win against Everton, and for a fleeting moment, Villa fans could bask in the glory of being Europe’s top team. However, the week has been tinged with sadness as the club mourns the passing of Gary Shaw, a hero from their league and European Cup-winning days. Manager Unai Emery has dedicated their midweek victory to Shaw and his family, with tributes set to be paid at Villa Park before they clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wolves’ Struggles and Derby Drama
Wolverhampton Wanderers come into this match on a rough patch. After a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, Wolves are enduring their worst four-game start since returning to the Premier League in 2018, with one draw and three losses. Historically, Wolves have had a mixed record in local derbies, losing only one of their last seven encounters against Villa (W3, D3). However, that lone defeat was a 2-0 loss at Villa Park last season, illustrating the shifting balance of power in the Midlands. Wolves are on an eight-game winless streak away from home in the Premier League (D3, L5), a statistic they’ll be eager to reverse.
Key Battle: Tielemans vs. Lemina
A key player for Villa is Youri Tielemans, who has been exceptional this September. After scoring and assisting in the Champions League and netting for Belgium, Tielemans has been a standout performer, with all ten of his recent club goals coming before half-time. In contrast, Wolves’ Mario Lemina has been heavily involved in their recent games, scoring, assisting, and even picking up a booking. Lemina’s last four goals have all opened the scoring for his team, and his contribution will be crucial in the midfield battle against Tielemans.
Hot Stat: Villa’s Home-Defending Woes
Villa has shown vulnerability at home recently, conceding first in four of their last five Premier League fixtures at Villa Park (W2, D2, L1). This trend could play a significant role in the upcoming match, as Wolves might look to exploit this weakness early on.
Prediction
Given Aston Villa’s impressive form and emotional drive following the tribute to Gary Shaw, they are well-positioned to secure a victory. While Wolves have succeeded in local derbies, their current form and away record make them underdogs in this encounter. Villa’s attacking prowess and the recent form of players like Tielemans suggest they will have the upper hand.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
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