Wolves are gearing up for a West Midlands derby against Aston Villa, and after a disappointing result in his first match against Crystal Palace, Rob Edwards will be pondering his options.
It will be a tough game for the Molineux side, but as the cliché says, “Form goes out the window in derby matches.”
Edwards will certainly be clinging onto that hope, with Unai Emery holding ‘massive’ respect for Wolves.
Rob Edwards and Unai Emery disagree on the rivalry of the West Midlands derby 😂
The Spaniard has had a tough time facing the Wanderers, losing more times than he has won throughout his career.
The Wolves head coach has already hinted he could change formation, and at Molineux News, we believe that will be the case, as we predict his starting XI to play Aston Villa.
Rob Edwards sticks to a back five
Wolves cannot afford to take defensive risks at the moment, and for that reason, Rob Edwards will stick to the back five.
Sam Johnstone will retain his place in goal, but when it comes to the rest of the defenders, Yerson Mosquera will be the only change coming in for Ladislav Krejci, but the Czech will slot into the starting XI elsewhere.
Jackson Tchatchoua would perhaps be lucky to get back-to-back starts, as the Cameroonian needs to start offering Wolves more.
However, with Matt Doherty ruled out and Ki-Jana Hoever uninspiring going forward, the pacey defender retains his place.
Four midfielders, with one of them advanced
With Aston Villa prolific from range, the best way to counteract it could be to pack the middle of the pitch and limit the space they get to shoot.
For that reason, Edwards could go with four midfielders.
One of those will be given freedom to further move up the pitch, and after Marshall Munetsi did not give a good first impression for Edwards, it could be a chance for Jean-Ricner Bellegarde to make his case.
Andre and Joao Gomes will remain in the middle, but they will also be helped by Ladislav Krejci, who makes the step up from central defence.
His passing and composure can help Wolves retain the ball any chance they get, and with a tricky away tie at Villa Park, they will need those traits.
Only one striker starts
With the midfield packed more, that means someone has to drop out, and that man will be Tolu Arokodare.
Edwards has hinted that the Nigerian still needs to adapt and get up to speed, but that Jorgen Strand Larsen is ready and raring to go.
It looks like a change of formation for Wolves vs Aston Villa🤔
“Tolu will need a bit more time as he’s not had as many minutes, but he’s up for it and working hard. Jorgen is fit and feels good.”
Rob Edwards ahead of Aston Villa
The forward will not mind dropping out, as Arokodare admitted he understands why he does not start more games.
Full Wolves starting XI prediction for Aston Villa
Overall, we are predicting just two changes from the loss to Crystal Palace, but that does involve a change of setup.
- Marshall Munetsi out, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde in.
- Tolu Arokodare out, Yerson Mosquera in.
Hopefully, Wolves can get three points over the line and end this winless run of 16 matches.
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