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Fresh off their return to the Champions League with a victory over Young Boys, Aston Villa shifts their focus back to the Premier League, where they will face local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers at Villa Park on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 3 pm UK time. While Unai Emery’s side enjoys a solid run of form, Wolves have had a difficult start to the season and will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing EFL Cup exit.

Villa’s confidence is high after a winning streak in both domestic and European competitions, whereas Wolves are desperate for their first league win, languishing in 18th place with just a single point. This West Midlands derby promises excitement and high stakes for both sides.

Team Analysis:

Aston Villa:

Aston Villa comes into this match in excellent form, having won three of their first four Premier League games, with their only defeat coming against Arsenal. Unai Emery’s side secured a dominant 3-1 win over Young Boys in the Champions League, adding to their growing momentum. Star striker Ollie Watkins has been pivotal in Villa’s recent success, with his goals helping secure crucial wins over both Everton and Young Boys.

Villa’s attacking options have been bolstered by players like Jhon Duran, who has proven to be a game-changer off the bench, scoring the winning goal in each of Villa’s league victories this season. With Villa facing a congested schedule due to their European commitments, Emery may look to rotate his squad, but Ollie Watkins is expected to start, despite nursing a slight ankle injury.

Defensively, Villa has struggled at home, conceding 26 goals in their last 12 Premier League games at Villa Park. The absence of key defenders like Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings has exposed Villa at the back, and Emery will be keen to tighten up his defense against a Wolves side that could capitalize on any mistakes.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers:

It’s been a difficult start to the season for Wolverhampton Wanderers, as Gary O’Neil’s side finds themselves in the relegation zone with just one point from their first five matches. Wolves’ recent EFL Cup defeat to Brighton added to their woes, and they are currently on a 14-match winless run in the Premier League, dating back to last season.

Wolves have struggled to find consistency in attack, with Matheus Cunha and Jorgen Strand Larsen expected to lead the line once again. Injuries have hit Wolves hard, with key players like Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, and Boubacar Traore sidelined. The absence of these key players, combined with Wolves’ shaky defense, has left O’Neil searching for solutions.

However, Wolves can take some confidence from their recent form at Villa Park, having lost just one of their last five league games at the venue. Despite this, Wolves’ defense has been porous, conceding long-range goals and struggling to contain opposition attacks. Villa’s attacking threat, particularly from distance, could pose significant problems for Wolves on Saturday.

Head-to-Head:

The most recent meeting between these two sides ended in a 2-0 win for Aston Villa last season, but Wolves have fared well at Villa Park in recent years, losing just one of their last five visits in the Premier League. This local rivalry is often closely contested, and both teams will be eager to claim bragging rights in this West Midlands derby.

Prediction and Betting Tips:

Prediction: With Aston Villa in red-hot form and Wolves struggling to find consistency, the hosts are clear favorites to take all three points. Wolves’ defensive vulnerabilities, combined with Villa’s attacking firepower, should see Unai Emery’s side extend their winning run in both domestic and European competitions.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Aston Villa 3-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Justification:
Aston Villa’s superior attacking options, particularly with Watkins, Tielemans, and Duran in form, should overpower Wolves’ fragile defense. Wolves’ struggles at the back, particularly from long-range shots, could be exploited by Villa’s creative players.

Betting Markets:

1. Both Teams to Score: Yes
   • Wolves have shown they can score, but their defense has been leaky. Villa’s attack will be too strong, but Wolves might grab a consolation goal.
2. Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5
   • With Villa’s attacking strength and Wolves’ defensive issues, expect a high-scoring affair with at least three goals.
3. Hot Stat:
   • Ollie Watkins to score anytime. The England international has been in fine form and should continue his goal-scoring run against Wolves.
4. Corners Total: Over 9.5 corners
   • With Villa expected to dominate possession and Wolves looking to counter, the match could see plenty of corners.

Team News:

Aston Villa:

• Leon Bailey could return to the squad after missing the midweek Champions League clash, but Ollie Watkins is expected to start, despite a slight ankle injury.
• Jhon Duran has been a key impact player off the bench and could feature once again.
• Boubacar Kamara, Tyrone Mings, and Matty Cash remain sidelined through injury.

Wolverhampton Wanderers:

• Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, and Boubacar Traore are unavailable for Wolves, while Craig Dawson and Rayan Ait-Nouri are doubts for this fixture.
• Toti Gomes is expected to feature after overcoming a hamstring strain.
• Matheus Cunha and Jorgen Strand Larsen will lead the attack, as Wolves look to break their winless streak.

Probable Lineups:

Aston Villa Starting XI:
Martinez; Nedeljkovic, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Ramsey, Rogers; Watkins

Wolverhampton Wanderers Starting XI:
Johnstone; Semedo, Mosquera, Bueno, Toti; Bellegarde, J. Gomes, Lemina, R. Gomes; Cunha; Larsen

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