Football Prediction | Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa | English Premier League | February 01 – Can Wolves End Their Miserable Run against a Stubborn Aston Villa?

Premier League action continues as Wolverhampton Wanderers host Aston Villa at Molineux Stadium on Thursday, February 1st, 2024, at 11:30 PM (BDT) / 11:00 PM (INR). Wolverhampton, under the guidance of their management, will look to bounce back and claim crucial points at home. Meanwhile, Aston Villa, led by Unai Emery, will aim to maintain their strong season and keep their top-half position intact.

Wolverhampton vs Aston Villa Form Guide

Wolverhampton 

Wolves have shown resilience this season, with their ability to steal possession and launch counter-attacks being key strengths. Key players like Matheus Cunha and Jørgen Strand Larsen have been crucial in their attacking play. However, their weaknesses in keeping possession and defending set-pieces could prove costly against a clinical team like Aston Villa.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa has been in solid form, with a well-balanced attack and strong defending capabilities, especially from set-pieces. With Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers leading the charge in the final third, Villa will look to exploit Wolves’ defensive vulnerabilities, particularly their issues with aerial duels and defending against skillful players. 

Also read:- Football Prediction | Ipswich Town vs Southampton | English Premier League | February 01

Wolverhampton vs Aston Villa Key Battles:

Matheus Cunha vs Ollie Watkins

Wolverhampton’s Matheus Cunha, with 10 goals, has been a key figure in their attacking line, combining technical skill with a strong finishing ability. He’ll face Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who has matched Cunha’s tally with 10 goals of his own. Watkins, known for his movement and work rate, is always a threat in front of goal. Both players have the ability to turn a match with a single moment, so whichever striker can be more clinical in this encounter will be crucial in determining the outcome.

Jørgen Strand Larsen vs Morgan Rogers

In the midfield/attacking battle, Wolverhampton’s Jørgen Strand Larsen, with 9 goals and assists, will face Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who has contributed 10 goals and assists. Larsen brings physicality and a direct approach to the attack, while Rogers is known for his dribbling and flair in the final third. Both players will be key to creating chances and providing the necessary support for their respective strikers. The player who can consistently link up play and provide assists, as well as contribute to the score sheet, will play a pivotal role in shaping the match.

Wolverhampton vs Aston Villa Tactical Outlook

Wolves’ primary strengths lie in their ability to steal the ball from the opposition, create long shot opportunities, and capitalize on counter-attacks. They are also adept at coming back from losing positions and protecting leads. Their aggressive play style focuses on attacking down the left, taking long shots, and playing with width. However, they have notable weaknesses in possession, aerial duels, and defending against skillful players or attacks down the wings. 

Aston Villa, on the other hand, excels in attacking set pieces, attacking down the wings, and defending set pieces. Their ability to come back from losing positions is also a key strength. Villa plays a possession-based style with short passes and often attacks through the middle. They also use the offside trap effectively. However, they do have weaknesses in defending aerial duels, and avoiding individual errors can sometimes put them at a disadvantage.

Head-to-Head Encounters

The current head-to-head record is quite close: Wolverhampton have won 8 times, Aston Villa 7, with 6 draws. The odds for the match are 3.30 for Wolves to win, 3.60 for a draw, and 2.10 for Aston Villa to win, indicating a competitive fixture.

Injury News and Suspensions

Wolverhampton 

Wolverhampton are dealing with several injury concerns as well as a suspension. Joao Gomes is currently suspended, which will limit his availability for upcoming matches. Boubacar Traore is sidelined with a knee injury, and he is not expected to return until mid-February 2025. Additionally, Enso Gonzalez and Leon Chiwome are both facing long-term recovery periods due to cruciate ligament injuries, with Gonzalez out until early May 2025 and Chiwome sidelined until late September 2025. 

Aston Villa

Aston Villa is managing a few injury concerns that will affect their squad depth in the short term. Midfielder Amadou Onana is dealing with a hamstring injury and is expected to return by early February 2025. Full-back Matty Cash is sidelined with a muscle injury and should be back by mid-February 2025. Defender Pau Torres is recovering from a foot injury, with a return expected in early February 2025, while midfielder Ross Barkley is facing a calf injury and is also due to return by early February 2025. These injuries will test Villa’s squad depth as they continue their campaign.

Wolverhampton vs Aston Villa Possible Playing Squad

Wolverhampton:

Strand Larsen, Cunha, Sarabia, Gomes, Andre, Ait Nouri, Semedo, Agbadou, Bueno, Doherty, Sá (GK)

Aston Villa:

Watkins, Ramsey, Rogers, Bailey, Kamara, Tielemans, Digne, Mings, Konsa, Cash, Martinez (GK)

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

Aston Villa is expected to win this matchup, with their balanced attack and solid defensive structure giving them an edge over Wolverhampton.

Score Prediction

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-3 Aston Villa a convincing win for Aston Villa, with Watkins and Rogers playing crucial roles in securing all three points for the visitors. 

Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.