Aston Villa welcome Wolves to Villa Park on Saturday evening in what is braced to be an exciting duel, one that could see Unai Emery welcome back a key member of his squad.
Aston Villa return to Premier League action at Villa Park for the first time since the Villans’ 4-0 defeat to Tottenham earlier this month.
Having secured just one win from their previous four league games at home, Unai Emery’s side will be gunning for three points, with Wolves paying a visit on Saturday evening.
There’ll be no smoke without fire, as Emery has previously found when playing the Old Gold, as the Spaniard is winless against Villa’s Midlands rivals in the six games he’s managed against them.
With the race for the top four heating up with just nine games to go for the Villans, three points are crucial on Saturday, with Spurs eyeing the chance to claim fourth place at any stumble.
Aston Villa team news vs Wolves
While Aston Villa have suffered a host of injuries this term, Wolves are currently facing their most difficult period as a host of key names are set to miss out.
The likes of Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-chan will be out of action for Gary O’Neil’s side, handing a slim boost to Villa with Wolves’ top attackers out of the equation.
For the Villans, Matty Cash will be absent after it was revealed that he will miss at least three weeks of action due to a hamstring injury; however, there could also be a boost on the injury front.
Yesterday, it was reported that Jacob Ramsey was spotted in Villa training at Bodymoor Heath after spending more time on the sidelines in what has been a trialling season for the 22-year-old’s fitness.
Having the versatile Englishman back in contention would be a significant plus for Emery, with the academy graduate having the ability to fill one sizeable void in the current squad.
Having Jacob Ramsey back would be a huge boost for Aston Villa
Once lauded as “amazing” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, it’s been tough for the Villans to manage without the skill and durability of Ramsey over the past few weeks.
The 2001-born ace’s return could come at a crucial time for Villa, who are needing some inspiration in the midfield due to key absences.
With both Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn out due to injury and suspension respectively, Youri Tielemans was selected to partner Douglas Luiz in the middle against West Ham.
As highlighted by pundit Robbie Earle after the 1-1 draw, Tielemans was identified as a “problem”, with his defensive work not up to scratch which ultimately jeopardised Villa’s shape.
Having spent most of his career playing in central midfield, Ramsey’s ball-carrying ability and defensive stability could be crucial for Emery to introduce against Wolves, who themselves have a well-oiled midfield pivot.
It will be interesting to see just what role Ramsey will be able to play against the Old Gold, with his potential return coming at the perfect time for Villa.
