A smidgeon of value on hosts in low-key derby
Aston Villa host Wolverhampton Wanderers in something of a West Midlands derby on Wednesday evening in the Premier League.
Two Spanish managers go head-to-head for the first time in the English top-flight, with Unai Emery’s start to life at Villa looking a little more impressive than Julen Lopetegui’s at Wolves right now.
Villa won 2-0 at underperforming Tottenham Hotspur last time out, continuing to be stiff opposition for some of the stronger sides in the division.
Villa have had a lot of financial backing since promotion to the Premier League, and it feels like they finally have the right manager at the helm to utilise that market muscle for them to climb the table.
Wolves are not the side that achieved such heights under Nuno Espirito Santo and staying up will be seen as success at this point, I expect Lopetegui to steer them clear eventually.
Process
Neither side’s underlying numbers are anything to write home about, but there is probably more merit in judging their process and performances since the new manager took over.
Both managers have been better known for strong defensive sides in the past, which actually fits quite well into the recent history of the two clubs.
Wolves have continued to be fairly vulnerable defensively under Lopetegui, even though they have only conceded twice in two games.
Villa’s attacking personnel is far more exciting than that of the visitors, and roared on under the lights at Villa Park, it is easy to see why they are heavy favourites around even money.
Jacob Ramsey, John McGinn and Diego Carlos are sidelined, while Douglas Luiz is doubtful.
Pedro Neto, Sasa Kalajdzic and Chiquinho are ruled out for the visitors, again pointing towards some of the reasons why they are so uninspiring in the final third right now.
Goals?
Unders has crept into my mind, with the cliche of form going out the window and derby matches being a leveller, but ultimately I do not believe Wolves are playing well enough to convince me not to oppose them in this one.
Villa have scored in seven of ten.
Villa have conceded in eight of ten.
Villa have seen both teams score in five of ten.
Villa have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.
Wolves have scored in seven of ten.
Wolves have conceded in seven of ten.
Wolves have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Wolves have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
1-1, a disappointing week for Villa.