Aston Villa make the short journey across the Midlands to face arch-rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening.
A Morgan Rogers hat-trick inspired Villa to a 4-2 win over Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday, thereby, securing automatic qualification to the last 16 of the competition. Before beating Celtic, they were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham United.
Just two wins of the last five league games have seen Unai Emery’s side slip to eighth in the table. However, they will be favourites on paper heading into the West Midlands derby.
Aston Villa Team News
Unai Emery confirmed in his presser that Matty Cash will be sidelined for up to four weeks due to a calf injury, while Tyrone Mings is a major doubt to face Wolves. Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley also remain out.
Meanwhile, Jhon Duran is not expected to be a part of the squad on Saturday as he is set to undergo medical ahead of his big-money move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs Wolves (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez is Aston Villa’s undisputed No.1 and should start against Wolves.
Defence
Defensive issues should force Emery to make changes to his side on Saturday. Matty Cash’s injury setback means Lamare Bogarde could deputise at right-back, with Lucas Digne retaining his left-back spot.
As Mings is a big doubt, there is every possibility of Boubacar Kamara lining up besides Ezri Konsa in central defence again after the duo helped Villa beat Celtic in midweek. They will have to be switched on from the first whistle to the last to help their side keep a clean sheet at Molineux.
Midfield
Youri Tielemans is expected to form the double pivot with John McGinn in the middle of the park. The onus will be on them to dictate the tempo of play and manufacture chances in the final third for the forwards.
Fresh from his hat-trick against Celtic, Morgan Rogers should be licking his lips at the prospect of facing a leaky Wolves side. He is a certainty to start in his preferred No.10 role.
Attack
Emery was unable to call upon January recruit Donyell Malen in midweek, but the Dutchman is in contention to start in attack. With Malen operating from the left, Leon Bailey will try to cause all kinds of problems for Wolves defence from the opposite wing.
Ollie Watkins should spearhead Villa’s attack, hoping to exploit Wolves’ defensive frailties.
