Smith delivers his verdict on Wolves and Lage’s tactics

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has conducted his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Wolves.

Smith and his opposite number Bruno Lage are preparing for their first Midlands derby of the season.

For Lage, it is his first ever such match and Smith was asked what he has made of Wolves so far.

“If you look at the start of the season, their performances didn’t get the results that they deserved. They’ve got results in the last couple of games when it’s probably been tighter games than the ones before,” said Smith.

“They’ve got good players, a good coach and a really good system in how they play. They’ve got good balance throughout the team and we certainly know their threats.

“It will be a really good atmosphere, but it always is. It’s not the biggest local derby for Aston Villa, but it’s one we’re looking forward to with Wolves being the only other West Midlands Premier League team now.”

The derby clash should be an intriguing one, and coming so soon after the international break gives it a different dimension too.

Wolves are capable of causing anyone in the division a threat, especially if Hwang Hee-Chan and Raul Jimenez pick up where they left off against Newcastle.

Adama Traore could well come into the side against his former club in place of Francisco Trincao, who caught Covid during the international break.

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