This hotly anticipated local derby sees Martin O Neill’s Villa side look to continue their impressive form and push towards a top four finish, while Wolverhampton Wanderers look to gain valuable points in order to beat the drop.
Aston Villa seem to have recovered their form of recent weeks after a slight slump after Christmas. A lot of this is down to James Milner’s scintilating form and the great pace they enjoy from Agbonlahor and Young. They have also been aided by a stable squad devoid of serious injuries. They currently lie seventh in the table but they are only three points off fourth placed Spurs with a game in hand. The race for fourth place this season has been closer than ever with four genuine contenders for the spot and Villa will know that they have their best chance for many years to reach such heights. For this reason, tomorrow’s game will be more critical than ever. Take out local proximity between the two sides and the result of this game should be a foregone conclusion, but derbies are always difficult to predict and Aston Villa will have to continue their good form to pick the full compliment of points available.
Mick McCarthy’s men know what they have to do to remain in the premier league – win more games than the teams below them! They are currently one place, but a reasonably comfortable three points above the drop zone, ao they will know that a hard earned away draw will keep them out of the bottom three.
Despite the importance of Wolves picking up points this weekend, I think that Villa’s home advantage, and their desire to cvontinue their push for a champions league spot, will mean they will take all three points.
Verdict: Aston Villa Home Win
Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: William Hill
