Prediction: Aston Villa vs Wolves

18th March 2011

Aston Villa sit dangerously close to the relegation zone after losing to Bolton last time out and they enter the Midlands derby looking for a much needed victory. Wolverhampton, on the other hand, salvaged one point against Tottenham and they certainly wouldn’t mind picking up another one at Villa Park.

Following the numerous struggles during the first part of the season, Villa fans were happy to see their team finally return to right track at the beginning of 2011, but just when the soccer betting experts started believing Villa would easily escape the relegation fight, things started taking a turn for the worse. It all started when Gerard Houllier sacrificed the FA Cup game against Manchester City, only to lose the very next game to Bolton as well, but things only got worse from there. Several first team players, including James Collins and Richard Dunne, clashed with coaching personnel during what was supposed to be a bonding trip and now the atmosphere in the team is at an all time low. There is obviously no doubt that Villa have the quality to win this game, but it remains to be seen whether the players will be in the right state of mind for this very important clash. Gerard Houllier faces big selection worries as Richard Dunne, James Collins, Luke Young and Ciaran Clark are all unavailable, but the good news is that Jean II Makoun returns.

Wolverhampton enter this derby game in much better mood than their neighbours, having taken no less than five points from last three games. Mick McCarthy’s side once again proved they are a real force to be reckoned with at home, since after beating Manchester United and Blackpool, they played a really good game against Tottenham, but had to settle for one point. Nevertheless, the players will have a lot of positives to take from the clash with Spurs. Wolves’ away form doesn’t give them too much reason for optimism before the clash with Villa, although Mick McCarthy’s side did bring one point from their last away games at Hawthorns. The injury situation is improving with Adlene Ghedioura, Michael Mancienne and Michael Kighly all likely to be available, but David Edwards, Ronald Zubar and Stephen Hunt remain sidelined.

Conclusion

Aston Villa face serious problems before the Wolves game, both on and off the pitch, and that is likely to prevent them from recording what would be an invaluable win. Mick McCarthy’s side have shown a lot of improvement lately and they could get something from this match.

Verdict: Draw (X)

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: Paddy Power