I’m looking forward to seeing how Wolves perform in the next couple of games.
Having started with three difficult fixtures and followed up with four more winnable ones, this little back-to-back against mid-range Villa and Leeds is another interesting barometer.
Maybe after their lavish summer spending, some Villa fans might class themselves as being better than mid-range, but despite some good performances, I don’t think they’ve shown enough just yet.
Wolves are similar in the respect it’s tough to quantify where they sit based on what we’ve seen so far. There’s some nice football in patches, but clear vulnerabilities in certain areas of the pitch.
It’s nicely poised and all outcomes feel possible.
Villa
What perhaps gives Dean Smith’s side the edge is firepower. Watkins, Ings, Traore, El Ghazi, Buendia, McGinn – they’ve got players with goals in them. Their centre-halves also get on the end of things.
I noticed at Spurs they were hurling a lot of long throws into the box too and they’ve employed a specialist to work on their dead ball tactics, so that’s something to look out for tomorrow.
They’ve scored twice as many goals as Wolves and given the personnel at their disposal it doesn’t feel like it’ll dry up for them either.
That said, I didn’t think they played great in that defeat to Tottenham and certainly weren’t as fluid as I’ve seen previously. I get the sense Smith is still trying to find a combination that works with all those fancy summer recruits.
A back three has been employed recently and Kortney Hause has been given some game time. I always thought he had the raw attributes to be a decent Premier League defender, so it’ll be interesting to see if he can hold down a place in the longer term.
There seem to be some doubts for tomorrow over key players like Emi Martinez and Douglas Luiz (travelling back late from internationals) and Leon Bailey (injury).
The home end
Some comments from the pre-match thread on the Villa Talk forum:
Tough game, ive seen a few Wolves games this season and they’ve impressed me. We’ll need a big performance to beat them, they’ll be coming into this one off the back of 2 wins. Jiminez, Hwang, Trincao all looking dangerous for them, Adama of course can always exploit the likes of Targett. They dont have the most mobile of midfields, Ramsey and McGinn will be key to us getting any success. Hopefully we’ll have Bailey back fit, possibly Sanson too. They’d go above us with a win; this is the first game between the sides at Villa Park where we’ll have fans in so hopefully that can swing it for us.
Pray that Smith ditches the 5 at the back for this and goes 4-3-3. Wolves have some decent attacking players and have looked alright this season but we also have very good attacking players that can hurt them if Smith actually unleashes them. Could really do with a win here and a dominant performance.
We’re capable of beating Wolves, but also just as capable of not showing up and losing or drawing. Not having our key players available doesn’t help. I wonder when we’ll ever see Dean Smith’s first choice team fit and available. These international breaks are doing my head in.
Will be interesting. Wolves is a completely different outfit post Nuno. They are actually a front foot team now so we won’t have as hard of a time creating chances against them. Adama against Targett always a concern though. Think I would consider Ash.
Wolves
If Trincao is indeed ruled out because of Covid, I really hope Traore is unleashed.
I suppose there could be a question mark over Raul with his extensive travelling, but he seems pretty robust and I’d expect him to start.
Podence is the other option, but he wasn’t great at Southampton and really needs to find some consistency if he’s to be an integral player and not just a support act. He’s very good in moments and his output per minute he actually gets on the pitch is good, but in-between he’s not doing enough.
Boly could come into the back three, but Bruno hasn’t really wobbled on his choice back there and it would be odd to change it after back-to-back wins. Dendoncker in the midfield is also possible.
Last time out
It was a bit of a snore draw last season, but both sides had chances to win it. Wolves were typically slow to get going but did better in the second half and Romain Saiss missed an absolute sitter.
We lost in the dying seconds at Molineux, somehow contriving to give it away despite playing with an extra man for the final 10 minutes. It was a bonehead bit of defending from Semedo that allowed them to win it from the penalty spot.
Predictions
Well done to Steppenwolfe, Prawny, PeteRobbo, Graham from Horsham, Dek, Wolfstroker, Liz, robc306, Adrian, vicsmith, Rich, Cannock Wolf, St.Kitts Wolves, London wolves loyal, Marnhull Wolves, Paul AD67, Telford Wolf, Dallas Bob, Ash K, basherbaz, Border Wolf, Tipton Exile, KENDAL WOLVES and DeptfordWolf for all scoring a maximum by correctly predicting the 2-1 scoreline against Newcastle.
AveburyWolf leads the way at the top of the overall table at the end of Gameweek 7.
As always, if you’d like to join in, it’s simple – just leave your prediction in the comment section below using the boxes provided. Then repeat for every preview article throughout the season, making sure you always use the same email address to make your prediction. Your email is what ties you to your overall score.
You can read my prediction for the game in the comment section below.
Up The Wolves!
I’m worried because we’re so often the team that need 10 chances to score and they’ve got a couple of adept goalscorers and various others that regularly chip in.
But the impact of Hwang against Newcastle has given us something to feel positive about and that link-up play with Raul could be fruitful. I really want to see Adama tomorrow and given that he’s not had a game for a while, he’s hopefully raring to go.
I’ll go for a draw as we haven’t had one yet, which would be a very decent result.
Agree but less goals.
Villa are without:
Traore, Bailey,Sanson, Carney Chukwuemeka, Martinez and Luiz…
We need to put these to bed – off the back of 2 wins, I fancy us taking this!
WOLVES TO WIN 2-1
Maybe a thriller?
Or a snoozer
Who knows but like those before me I’d take a draw
Really is a toss a coin in the air and see how it drops to attempt to predict a result for tomorrow’s game.
Jimmy sometimes has been lack lustre after the long distant exploits of International travels (and understandably so) but l still think his overall importance to the team warrants his starting place.
Hwang looks the real deal, what a find that appears to be.
Got to go for a score draw; which wouldn’t be too bad a result.
Lawro’s got us down to lose so 2.1 to Wolves…. Raul and Hwang…..!
COME ON ME BABIES…….!
Agree with Thomas on this one
Play a front 3 of Hwang, Raul + Adama and we can win this.
I feel that we will concede a goal but still be too strong for them.
I’ve usually gone to this game … all the way back to Morley and Shore , we usually lose or draw at best . No ticket this season so its inevitable….
I love the idea of Traore, Jimi and Hwang up front.
But mids and backs still look susceptible to me.
Dreamt the other night Wolves win three on the bounce so I’ll go with that because otherwise I have no idea.
Gotta happen sometime.
Might as well be termorra!
Hope you’re all good Clivey boy. I’m positive, but not as much as you.
It’ll be interesting to see Hwang, Jiminez and Traore up front if they’re all on their game. They have the potential to destroy teams, a lot would rest on Traore’s final ball, hopefully Bruno has done some work on this over the break. I can’t see Podence getting the shout over him after his poor show at S’ton. Let’s hope Jimi is not jaded from his exerts on his travels, his run and Hwang keeps improving. Their link up play against Newcastle has got me all excited for this game but iv been here before and Villa have a habit of pissing on our chips and
in general they have been excellent with their wins mostly coming against far better teams than our wins. That said, we are in the ascendency and they lost last time out so i’m going for an edge of the seat 3-2 win to us.
I can’t bring myself to even predict a sensible draw esp as i live in Brum and have to put up with these delusional Villains 24/7.
As Thomas said, all outcomes are possible for this one so i’m going with wishful thinking (as usual).
COYW
Thanks for the sponsorship money mate. Very generous and much appreciated.
No problem, good luck
Interesting comments about set pieces Thomas. That’s where a lot of goals come from and ours, in the attacking areas, are generally poor and have been for a long time.
Also agree about Kortney – we’ll see how he goes over time. Defo Traore for me and possibly Dendonker. Whatever, I hope any substitutes will have time to influence the game and not just be brought on for 5 minutes.
Think this one will be a real test for our back 3.
I’m a fan of Dendonker but he get’s a lot of stick on here and elsewhere. You dont get in the Belgium team easily though.
Yeh I reckon this scoreline looks realistic I’m afraid. I’d be more than happy if it was the exact reverse of course, but speaking as a born pessimist I’m afraid I have to agree.
No idea on this one. But, Veeela are my pet hate Midlands team, so going with my heart.
Heart it is mate.
Anyone know when Raul gets back?
.
Difficult game. We tend to be underwhelming in derbies. Hoping for a statement win to really dispel my doubts but head is saying we still aren’t a great side and we have too many vulnerabilities.
I’m not so sure Jimenez will start, given his exertions for Mexico just over a day ago. Also, Trincao tested positive last week for Covid and is likely to miss this match. But, as always, there are opportunities for others to come to the fore.
I’ll happily settle for a draw.
Can’t wait for tomorrow always a good day out in Birmingham. This will be more of a test than Southampton and Newcastle but we’ve got quality as well so I’ll say a 1 1 draw.
There for the taking with missing players
A winnable game if we perform well.
The post from the Villa thread sums it up quite nicely and honestly. They’re likely to have a couple missing but have some decent backups to drop in.
I do fancy Adama to get into Targett but our defence can be undone by a muscular attack. I’d also be tempted to put Dendonker in midfield for this one.
If this game were being played at home or without the frustrating international break I’d fancy us but we’re so reliant on Raul who despite Thomas’s optimism tends not to travel well I do fear the worst.
Come on boys, prove me wrong.
I agree, my thoughts entirely. Definitely include Dendoncker for his aerial threat and underrated passing. Lightweight bench and at best, a draw.
I’m going for a win, albeit a very slender one…
Seems like a match that could go either way. Let’s hope we show up. If nothing else, this should more of a feisty affair after the last to meetings at Villa Park were played without fans.
I quietly fancy is on this occasion. Too much pace up front for the Viles shaky defence . Think Adama will have a field day
COYW
They are without some key players at the moment, and I am starting to get excited about the relationship between Hwang and Jimmy – there is plenty to be positive about.
But goals win games and they look like they’ve got the more consistent finishers at the moment. Reluctantly I predict a Villa victory.
I haven’t scored any points so far in the prediction league – let’s hope that continues this weekend.
Going for an each way bet here. Would love to see Wolves win of course, but I am predicting a loss. Not much consolation, I know 🙁
This one brings to mind my wife’s pet name for me: “notaclue”
KA/TNs
I shall miss this game again, on account of visiting my aged mother in her nursing home.
I will probably be on my way home as the final whistle sounds and, almost certainly, lose the radio signal going past Silbury Hill as I did last time.
So it will be a tense time until I hear Charlotte Green reading the results on Radio 5.
She doesn’t read them as well as James Alexander Gordon used to does she. You always knew by the tone of his voice, after the home team’s score was read out, whether it was a home win, away win, or draw.
With Ms Green, it could be anything.
Anyway, I digress (or ramble, as the PMDG’er would have it).
It’s going to be tough tomorrow, with a full Villa Park roaring their hate at us.
They might even be heard over our away supporters at times.
Hang on, I think I’m rambling on again.
Time to go. As Robert Plant once sang:-
Leaves are falling all around
It’s time I was on my way
Thanks to you I’m much obliged
For such a pleasant stay
But now it’s time for me to go
The autumn moon lights my way
For now I smell the rain
And with it pain
And it’s headed my way.
Not tomorrow though eh?
James Alexander Gordon…..Led zeppelin…..jumpers for goal posts and Bankss mild
Happy days
I’m on the cusp of my mum battling dementia and my dad being as useful as a lollypop lady on the m5 ..cant escape it can we doog?
They were better days weren’t they back then…..weren’t they?
Have a safe journey mate and don’t worry about the Wolves …just a little scooby snack for the boys.
Sorry to hear about your mum and dad mate. My dear mother is also gradually fading into her own World. Dad went forty years ago… but she still sees him.
Blues Night at The Club Lafayette. Northern Soul at The Catacombs. The Doog and King John at Molineux.
Yes, they were better days.
But we shouldn’t complain should we.
We’re still here, after all.
We sure are mate..
Make it count..
Beat the villa ??
I’ve got a strong feeling that Lady Twix was on your radar in those good old days at the Lafayette… just a short stride away from the Art college leaning across Lower Stafford St. and looking into the Laff doorway.
Happy days mate…
If I’d have known her, she would have definitely been on my radar mate!
She’s still on mine, especially after having a facetime with her , in all her glory , the other day!!!
Eat your heart out, Twixxy Baby!!
Optimistic as usual.
am determined not to score any prediction points this year
No idea what to expect, following the international break.
I think this game is more than just the 3 points at stake and I want to see Wolves really go at Villa. We have new hope of goals with Hwang looking a very accomplished striker. Let’s hope we get the ball in position for him and Jimenez to make the most of it.
Expect a fast and frantic game.
Saiss has played quite well recently, but I am still surprised that Boly has not replaced him, as I believe Boly is better quality. Still everyone has to earn their spot, no entitlements here.
Difficult game to call, this one! Tarore will be chomping on the bit to play, and to play well. Not only dropped by Wolves, but also dropped by Spain, with the world cup coming up, he will be very determined. And with Liverpool peeping at him, he is due for MOTM performance!I
A win here would be massive making it 3 wins on a trot, and 4 out of 5, and will really be making some of us even more obtimistic. Cautiously positive about this game, and feel a narrow 1-0 is on the cards, but all of this positivity is getting to me, so will go for a bigger win!!!
I think we’ve shown enough so far to believe we can beat Villa.
I can’t see anything other than a stonking win tomorrow… and unfortunately NOT for Villa.
We’re the form team and I’ve heard Traore’s been practicing crosses starting from spaghetti junction so that they’ll land in Jimi’s head…. to do the rest.
I’ll be singing.. ‘mind the gap’ at 5pm when the teleprinter rattles out the match score…
Win to Wolves Jimenez at least 1..
Our goalie needs to save a few villa chances.. it’s time to shine mate.
Would love to be there..our fans will be immense..
Mmmmmm. Think it will be a tight derby game
This could be a close game with either side gaining the edge. I’m going for a 2-1 win for Villa but hoping we can get more.
Staleness up front is a possibility with Raul and Hwang overdosing on the midweek air miles but let’s hope not.
COYW.
Instilled with the Bruno ‘Boss’ mentality the boys go on a spree. Traore gets on the pitch and defo scores this time, gwaan my beauty.
Worth the ticket just to see Prince Willy chewin a brick.
DIngs always scores so thats Villa. Wolfs are three up by then tho.
1 Lv.
It’s not a rivalry but my god I don’t like this lot bit got a sinking feeling they will shit house a win against us
Hope I am wrong, but …..
A hard one to pick – particularly post the international break…
On my way to the local tonight, I was startled by a barking dog, who was quickly rebuked by its owner who shouted loudly ‘shut up Max’.
I’m not superstitious, but I took that as an omen that Max Kilman would be on the scoresheet tomorrow. So, with goals for Raul and Hee-Chan added to the mix, I feel a 3-2 Wolves is very much on the cards.
The Raul and Hwang gang back with a bang!
It struck me that the only match against Villa of which I have any memories is the 1-0 semi-final win at The Poorthornes that took us to Wembley in 1960 (goal from Norman Deeley). Following this up I found that overall our win rate against them is on the lower side at 31.5% which suggests that disappointment at dropped points must have been a feature of our meetings over the years. The figure is by no means the lowest – we have only won 28.7% of our games against Spurs for example – but does compare unfavourably with our record against ManC (39.5%), Leicester (36.4%), Chelsea (36.3%), ManU & Liverpool (33.3%), Newcastle (41.1%) and Burnley (50.7%).
Coupling that with the wide range of uncertainties surrounding this meeting which others have mentioned above underlines the difficulty of making an accurate prediction, so I’m taking the lazy option of going for a repeat of 1960 with a 1-0 win on the assumption that our pre-break improvement had a degree of solidity.
COYW
Raul has to be doubtful for the starting lineup and as most of our goals involve him we have a problem, let’s hope Adama tuns up, it’s been a while.
Wolves 1 Vile 2
Can’t see anything but a painful afternoon. Hope I’m totally wrong.
After an international break anything could happen & I’ve no idea what to predict so I’ll stick to the usual.
COYW
Hoping post-international break fatigue doesn’t have too much of an impact. My head says that Villa may have too much for us, but my heart says a barnstorming draw may be on the cards.
Anything can happen in this one. Think I will sit on the fence
There are a lot of 3-2s on the blog and as our defence is dodgy and their defence is dodgy and our attack is on form and their attack is on form there has to be goals galore in this game so lets hope we can score one more than them !
Not such a dodgy defence, so far. No team outside the current top six has conceded fewer goals than us. Villa has conceded three more than us. I’m backing us with BetVictor for a win with a clean sheet and also hedging with a win and both teams scoring. The odds against us were surprisingly generous, so maybe the bookies are banking on our defence going tits up sooner rather than later.
It’s a win….
We can win this, Hwang goal at a time. Can he keep scoring? Oh yes Hee Chan! ?
Come on Wolves!!
I can see this being an exciting, end to end game and would be happy with a 2-2 score draw, so it will probably be a boring 0-0!
I believe (hope) that Wolves will edge it. Would love a clean sheet but can’t see it so I’ll go with my favourite score.
(I’ve dropped Mings and Ings from my Fantasy League team, and before anyone has a go for having them in my squad, I’m a novice and, for heart not head reasons, wouldn’t pick players from teams like Yanited, etc ?)
According to Next Door Neighbours cat, who recently went undercover, Prince William was pacing about round Buckingham Palace going ” Up the Villa. Up the Villa”. The startled Queen replied” William. Is that a new Carry On Film with Bernard Breslaw. He’s my favourite”. Well Prince William might as well Carry On Up The Khyber such will be the thrashing handed out by a rampant WWFC. Tyrone Mings will be ‘frying tonight’ on the seat of his pants as Hwang delivers a Korean rocket in to the top corner. Swiftly followed by a Raul second. The Hapless Ings might as well ping off back to Southampton as Max Kilman has him in his pocket. And as the Holte end shuffles sadly away back to Halesowen Adama sprints through to add a third. After the game Prince William said ” ma ma. It’s not fair ma ma. ” The Queen replied “Well you should have supported someone good like f**king Man City”. Vile 0 WWFC 3.
Cheese Johny Rottens doing a tour where he has a answer and question session with the audience he is coming to Dudley 03/11/21 still tickets left if your interested.
Big team, the Villa. European champions you know. Biggest club in the Midlands apparently.
I’m still smiling from singing ‘Mind the Gap’ a few seasons ago
On a non football related topic, lovely to see one of our fave goalies let in five, at home, this morning!
Second division certs already.
Bye bye Benny!!!
Just seen team Semendo, Sais and Marcel the week links no Raul although he’s on the bench……..and Dendonker………no feeling so confident having seen the team.
Anyone who thinks Bruno Lage knows what he is doing has no idea.
We are awful.
Marcel Is the worst left wing back in the Premier league, he played dendonker as part of.that attack, rather then podence.
He hasn’t made a change and now because hwang aint getting service he is in our half.
We defended the first 45mimutes and hung on and he didn’t change it
Bruno is a useless clueless manager.
I agree ? but look at some of these players???
Semedo awful.marcel awful.
But the worst by far is traore why do people love him so much he spoils every time he starts .
I take it all back. Man is a genius. Got in my emotions ????
What an embarrassing performance.
Traore I wouldn’t pay him in brass buttons
I blogged earlier I was concerned about Semedo, Marcel Sais and Dendonker Lage has got his team selection completely wrong today.
Oh dear
Looks like ya peaked too soon again mate
Come on you wolves
Embarrassing yes but…..
What mettle!!!
2-2
Get in!!!
Heavy GOLDEN metal!!!!
It can’t get better than that ! 3-2!
Who are ya…. Get in.
?
Pmsl. 3 points. Never give up . Result certainly shut me up.
what a great win !
To all those who posted disparaging comments before the end of the match.
Don’t you ever learn?
It’s not over until the fat lady sings.
She has finished singing.
You can comment… NOW!
Please relent in making disparaging remarks about my missus .
I am truly offended although on this occasion I shall ignore it as her singing is not a thing of beauty either.
Wolves ay we
So was neves shot off target
Or off targett ?
Very good Marney. Very good.
Told you so ! OK I said 2-1 but I collect on both bets with BetVictor, straight win and a win with BTTS. I’m on a run. This is a seriously better Wolves team under Bruno.
We robbed them nicely..
Just loved the villa bench and their faces when our 3rd went in as in
WTF…? Fantastic…
As regards Traore what a miss but what a fantastic run..
COYW
You can say what you want about traore but that guy is going to click big style one day .
I just hope he is still playing for us when it happens
I said in my post what I’d do … so I will…
Mind the gap .. mind the gap .. Aston Villa…
Get in me little babbbeeezz