Aston Villa take on Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening, looking for their first victory in six attempts against their West Midlands rivals.
Gary O’Neil’s side have enjoyed a solid campaign, currently sitting ninth in the Premier League. However, Wanderers are coming off a damaging FA Cup quarter-final loss against Coventry City.
A win is a must for Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s side were let off the hook by Tottenham’s 3-0 defeat to Fulham last week.
Capitalising on home games will be essential between now and the end of the season, and that will have to start with Wolves on Saturday.
And the home side could look to take advantage of the vistors’ injury woes.
Wolves injury latest ahead of Aston Villa clash
According to injury expert Ben Dinnery, O’Neil is set to be without two players for his side’s short trip to Villa Park.
Pedro Neto is sidelined until the start of May at the earliest, and Hwang Hee-Chan is expected to be out until the middle of April.
One piece of positive news for O’Neil is that Matheus Cunha should be back. The Express and Star reported on 9 March that the 24-year-old was set to return after the international break.
Elsewhere, Jeanricner Bellegarde and Craig Dawson are also in contention to return at Villa Park.
What does Aston Villa’s injury situation look like?
Long-term absentees Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings are out until next season, although both have been pictured stepping up their recoveries.
John McGinn is suspended after his rash challenge against Tottenham. The 29-year-old will miss the fixtures against Wolves and Manchester City.
There is hope that Jacob Ramsey will return, but Matty Cash won’t be involved after picking up a knock during international duty for Poland.
Cash’s injury should see Ezri Konsa fill in at right back, with Pau Torres partnering with Clement Lenglet in the centre of defence.
