14 October 2021, 16:20 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Premier League fixture, Aston Villa F.C. vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. kicks off at 15:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, October 16 at Villa Park. Referee Michael Oliver will be in charge for this game, while the assistants, Stuart Burt and Simon Bennett, will offer a helping hand. Jarred Gillett will be the VAR.
Preview Aston Villa Premier League, Oct 16, 2021
Preview The Lions picked up a 2-1 loss to Spurs right before the international break on the 3rd of October at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Ollie Watkins (67’) had leveled the scoreline after a goal from Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (27'), but Villa found themselves undone by an own goal from Matt Targett (71’ O.G.). The defeat was the second in five games for the Lions: DLWWL, leaving them in 10th place while having 10 points after 3W, 1D, & 3L. Villa remain unbeaten in their last five home games in the Premier League (W3 & D2) and avoiding a defeat on Saturday would be on Dean Smith’s plans for the afternoon. Citing the historical advantage over Wolves, coupled with Villa's numbers on the pitch, Saturday’s game will present a fine opportunity for the Lions to get back to winning ways. Villa have an average of 1.43 goals per game, having scored 10 in 7 Premier League matches. The club has conceded 9 goals (1.29 goals conceded per game) and has a G.D. of +1. A win against Wolves would leave Aston Villa in the best shape ahead of a much more difficult game against Arsenal on Matchday 9. On Saturday, a dynamic 3—5—2 formation with Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings in attack may be seen from Dean Smith when the Lions welcome Wolves to the Park. Dean Smith could be without Bertrand Traore for this game, with the winger having picked up a thigh injury while on international duty with Burkina Faso. Douglas Luiz and Emi Martinez are also in doubt for this game due to clashing international commitments with Brazil and Argentina respectively.
Preview Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League, Oct 16, 2021
Preview Wolves are in 12th place, a point adrift of Villa, having picked up 9 points from 3W, 0D, & 4L, following the 2-1 win over Newcastle United before the break. It was the third victory for the side in five games: LWLWW. A win over Villa could see Wolves move into the top-ten at the end of the weekend, provided other favorable outcomes emerge. Wolves have an average of 0.71 goals per game and a goal differential of -1, but they hope to win three consecutive away league games for the first time since June 2020 on Saturday. With the unavailability of Trincao, following a positive Covid-19 test, a change from the defensive 5—4—1 to an attacking 4—3—3 formation could be seen from the Wolves’ boss, Bruno Lage on Saturday. Adama Traore is expected to return to the starting line-up alongside Daniel Podence, while Jimenez is expected to keep his place in attack alongside the duo.