Wolves vs Aston Villa Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News

Wolverhampton Wanderers host fellow west Midlands side Aston Villa in the Premier League at Saturday lunchtime.

Nuno Espirito Santo's team prevailed twice in this fixture last season, but the with the pair nestled close to one another in the Premier League table, separated by just two points, this could be a more tricky game for Wolves this time round.

However, Aston Villa have two games in hand over Wolves and the Villans also enjoyed an extra week's rest after their fixture with Newcastle United was postponed following a COVID-19 outbreak.

Where to Watch on TV

When Is Kick Off? Saturday 12 December
What Time Is Kick Off? 12:30 (GMT)
Where Is it Played? Molineux
TV Channel/Live Stream? BT Sport 1 (UK)
Referee? Mike Dean

Team News

Even during the most congested periods of Wolves' never-ending 2019/20 season, the team clad in gold rarely suffered many injuries. That superb fitness record has continued in the current campaign and Wolves are only set to be missing long-term absentee Jonny Castro Otto and, of course, star forward Raul Jimenez after his sickening collision with David Luiz against Arsenal.

Aston Villa have not been so lucky. Saturday's fixture has come too soon for Chelsea loanee Ross Barkley and defender Bjorn Engels, while Tom Heaton and Wesley - who both suffered serious injuries in the same game against Burnley last season - are also unlikely to feature.

The trio of Frederic Guilbert, Kortney Hause and Keinan Davis have just 28 minutes of Premier League football between them this season and are all doubts.

Predicted Lineups

Wolves: Patricio; Semedo, Boly, Coady, Marcal; Dendoncker, Neves, Moutinho; Traore, Podence, Neto.

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz, Hourihane; Trezeguet, Watkins, Grealish.

Recent Form

Even taking into consideration some notable aberrations - surprisingly losing 4-0 to West Ham in September before a repeat of the scoreline against Liverpool (less surprising) - Wolves have largely been tight at the back, coming into the game with the fourth best record in the division for non-penalty expected goals (xG) conceded.

However, that restriction of chances has been slightly called into question after a recent tactical change from Wolves, starting their last three games with an unfamiliar four at the back. At first this tweak looked to have prompted some more threat at the other end, but the loss of their attacking linchpin Jimenez is a blow which cannot be understated.

Aston Villa encountered no such difficulties when they met the champions, memorably thrashing Liverpool by a barely believable 7-2 scoreline. However, Dean Smith's side have cooled since their red-hot start to the campaign, losing four of their last five matches after winning the first four Premier League outings of the season.

Here's how each side has fared in their last five matches.

Wolves

Liverpool 4-0 Wolves (06/12)
Arsenal 1-2 Wolves (29/11)
Wolves 1-1 Southampton (23/11)
Leicester City 1-0 Wolves (08/11)
Wolves 2-0 Crystal Palace (30/10)

Aston Villa

West Ham United 2-1 Aston Villa (30/11)
Aston Villa 1-2 Brighton (21/11)
Arsenal 0-3 Aston Villa (08/11)
Aston Villa 3-4 Southampton (01/11)
Aston Villa 0-3 Leeds United (23/10)

Prediction

Wolves' defensive record is even more impressive when restricted to games just at Molineux - the five Premier League goals they've conceded at home is a league-low. However, in Jack Grealish, Aston Villa can boast one of the Premier League's most potent creative forces, as he goes into the game with five assists and the third-most chances created in the division.

Aston Villa's recent run of poor results hasn't been entirely reflected in their underlying numbers and is largely a byproduct of their opponents making the most of their limited chances - particularly against West Ham and Southampton.

Stripped of Jimenez, Wolves have lost the man chiefly tasked bringing the cutting edge to this well-drilled defensive unit. The Mexico international leaves a gaping whole in their attack and is the main reason why Wolves may struggle to replicate their recent success in the fixture on Saturday.

Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-1 Aston Villa