At A Glance
The latest instalment of Aston Villa versus Wolves takes place at Villa Park on Wednesday night.
A rivalry that dates back to 1886 and spans 132 matches will be renewed as Unai Emery looks to build upon his strong start as Villa head coach.
The Spaniard has won three of his four Premier League matches in charge following a 2-0 success at Tottenham last time out.
His counterpart, Julen Lopetegui, is also in the infancy of his tenure at Wolves after taking over during the World Cup break.
Wolves picked up a win in his first top flight game in charge thanks to a stoppage-time winner in a 2-1 victory at Everton.
Manchester United spoiled the party with a 1-0 win at Mollineux as Wolves ended 2022 with a defeat.
Standout Stats
Julen Lopetegui and Unai Emery will become the first managers to meet in both La Liga and the Premier League in the same season.
Wolves are looking for a third win in a row in this West Midlands derby, having done the double over Villa last season.
Villa haven't won any of their last six home matches against Wolves in the Premier League (D3, L3).
Wolves have lost three of their past four league games but earned four points from the last six available away from home.
Six of Villa’s 19 league goals have been scored in the first 15 minutes of games.
Villa have scored just one goal in the final quarter of matches in this season's Premier League, the joint-lowest total along with Wolves.
Wolves have kept just one clean sheet in their eight away league games this season.
Ollie Watkins has been involved in at least one goal in his last three home Premier League appearances, with two goals and an assist.
Danny Ings has scored in three successive appearances against Wolves in all competitions.
Wolves’ 2-1 victory over Everton in their most recent Premier League away fixture ended a 13-match winless run on the road (D3, L10).
The Last Meeting
Aston Villa were defeated 2-1 at Molineux when the sides met in the Premier League back in April.
Ollie Watkins’ late penalty proved to be a consolation as the hosts triumphed on the strength of two first half goals.
Jonny handed them the lead after seven minutes before an own goal from Ashley Young doubled their advantage later in the half.
Team News
After the win against Tottenham, Unai Emery said Jacob Ramsey would resume training with the team this week but was noncommittal on whether he’d feature against Wolves.
Emiliano Martinez is in contention to return to the starting XI after taking up a place on the substitutes bench at Spurs.
Wolves have three long-term injuries in Chiquinho, Pedro Neto and Sasa Kalajdzic.
New signing Matheus Cunha could be in line to make his debut at Villa Park.
The Boss
“We played a very good match (v Tottenham) but we can improve with the ball: more possession and keeping the ball for longer. Against Wolves, it’s a derby and I think it’s going to be a very good match in our stadium with our supporters. We will enjoy it with them. We’re going to prepare in the best way possible to show them our progress.”
Unai Emery
Aston Villa v Wolves
