Verdict: Aston Villa win
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Seeking a much-welcomed Premier League boost on Friday night, Aston Villa will travel to local rivals Wolves.
Wolves
Starting with the hosts, suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Crystal Palace last weekend as they eventually slumped to a 1-0 loss in south London, that result almost epitomised Wolves’ infamous Premier League campaign. Sat rock-bottom of the table, Rob Edwards’ camp are already planning for life back in the Championship. Remarkably putting just 10 points on the board, the Old Gold have also recorded just a single win from any of their 28 Premier League appearances this season. Opening Friday’s derby battle sat 17 points adrift of top-flight safety, Wolves have also broken a string of unwanted records this year. Along with suffering a 1-0 loss when they travelled to Villa Park for their reverse Premier League battle on November 30th, they have also lost three of their previous four top-flight showdowns.
Wolves Team News
Shown a pair of yellow cards in the space of just three minutes away at Crystal Palace last week, Czech Republic international Ladislav Krejci will miss out through suspension. Still dealing with a recent muscle issue, Wolves are once again sweating over the fitness of South Korean striker Hee-Chan Hwang.
Forced to settle for a spot on the bench in south London last week, January recruit and Marseille loanee Angel Gomes could be handed a full recall. Returning from a recent hamstring injury, Portuguese defender Toti could make a first appearance since December 13th.
Aston Villa
As for the visitors, opening 2026 in the midst of what was an astonishing run of form, Aston Villa had received a string of plaudits from across the continent. However, despite still clinging onto bronze medal position, Unai Emery’s men have the feel of a squad who are desperately searching for some kind of boost. Watching their FA Cup adventure come to a disappointing end on February 14th as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at home against Newcastle, the one-time Arsenal boss has seen his squad register just a single win from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Quickly enduring what has become their worst rut of the 2025/26 campaign, Villa will have plenty of expectations on their shoulders when they travel across the Midlands on Friday night.
Aston Villa Team News
Both still dealing with respective knee injuries, Aston Villa will once again be unable to call upon the midfield duo of Boubacar Kamara and skipper John McGinn. Likewise, Belgium international Youri Tielemans is still sidelines with an ankle issue and is not expected to feature here.
Coming off the bench and bagging a dramatic late equaliser against Leeds last week, January recruit Tammy Abraham could be handed a full recall. Completing his own shock return to Villa Park last month after cancelling his loan with Nottingham Forest, Douglas Luiz should keep his spot in the middle of the park.
Wolves vs Aston Villa Key Factors to Consider
- When Wolves and Aston Villa met for their reverse Premier League battle on November 30th, Friday’s guests clinched a 1-0 victory at Villa Park.
- Emery’s side have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
- Wolves have remarkably registered just a single win from any of their 28 Premier League appearances this season.
- Shipping 51 Premier League strikes so far this season, Wolves hold the second-worst defensive tally among England’s elite.
- Notching a maiden Premier League strike last week, Tammy Abraham has found the net in back-to-back domestic appearances.
Conclusion
While Aston Villa might still open Friday’s trip across the Midlands sat in bronze medal position, Emery’s side are certainly seeking a much-welcomed Premier League boost here. Mustering just a sole win from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions, the Villains will have plenty of expectations on their shoulders here. Landing a 1-0 victory when they met their local rivals for their reverse showdown on November 30th, Emery’s men have certainly been handed a real opportunity. Watching the Old Gold remarkably put just a single Premier League victory on the board, Villa are installed as a standout contender at Molineux.
Verdict: Aston Villa win
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet