Aston Villa predicted XI vs Wolves: Villans eye derby statement at Molineux | OneFootball

Aston Villa travel on Friday night for a West Midlands derby against Wolverhampton Wanderers, knowing victory would reinforce their Champions League push.

Villa sit third in the Premier League, but their cushion is shrinking after just one win in their last four league outings.

Unfortunately for the Villains, Molineux has not been a happy hunting ground in recent years. Villa have won only once on their last eight visits.

However, they will back themselves to end that hoodoo against a Wolves side rooted to the foot of the table, 17 points from safety and with just one league win all season.

The Villans know they are there for the taking, but this is a derby. They must be wary.

Match preview

Aston Villa were held to a 1-1 draw in their last game, rescued late by Tammy Abraham off the bench.

It was another reminder that Unai Emery’s side is wobbling at a crucial stage of the campaign.

They remain third, but the chasing pack is closing. With fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester United looming, this trip feels pivotal.

Emery has already warned against complacency. Villa edged the reverse fixture 1-0 in November thanks to Boubacar Kamara, despite being second best for long spells.

Wolves, now led by Rob Edwards, are more organised than their position suggests.

They drew with Arsenal at Molineux and were seconds away from points against Crystal Palace last week.

But goals remain a glaring issue. Just 18 in 28 matches tells its own story.

Villa, by contrast, boast the third-best away record in the division, with 22 points from 13 games. If they are serious about locking down a top-four finish, this is non-negotiable.

Derbies rarely follow the script. But on paper, the gap in quality is stark.

Match stats

Wolves have won four of their last six home league games against Villa.

Villa have tasted victory just once in their last eight trips to Molineux.

The visitors have collected 22 away points this season, the third-best tally in the league.

Wolves have just one Premier League win all campaign and the worst home record in the division. Villa are seeking a first league double over Wolves since 2003/04.

Aston Villa team news

Youri Tielemans (ankle), John McGinn (knee), Boubacar Kamara (knee) and Harvey Elliott remain sidelined, leaving Emery light in midfield.

Alysson is a doubt with a knock.

Tammy Abraham scored off the bench against Leeds and has an excellent record against Wolves, but the ‘fantastic’ Ollie Watkins is expected to continue leading the line.

Ross Barkley and Jadon Sancho impressed as substitutes last time out, though Leon Bailey should retain his place on the right.

Ian Maatsen, 23, continues in defence after usurping Lucas Digne’s starting berth.

Aston Villa predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Ian Maatsen; Amadou Onana, Douglas Luiz; Leon Bailey, Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Buendia; Ollie Watkins.