Chris Sutton spots the one thing missing from Wolves’ relegation survival bid

Chris Sutton has given Wolves one way they could survive relegation, but the former Premier League striker is concerned as to whether they can do so.

The Old Gold travel to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon in what is sure to be a huge derby match.

Wolves are in desperate need of a big win to change their fortunes, and Rob Edwards could use the momentum a victory in the West Midlands derby would bring.

The head coach has been urged to start Ladislav Krejci in midfield, and that could be the first of many changes he makes this weekend.

Wolves head coach Rob Edwards began his career at Aston Villa but played just nine games between 1999 and 2004. His most notable period during his playing career came at Molineux, playing 111 times for the Old Gold.

He gave everything for the shirt when he played.

Edwards has insisted he is willing to switch things up based on the opponent, and that may see the Wanderers adopt a new formation under him.

Ahead of the game, Chris Sutton has delivered his predictions and has dropped an anecdote that could help Wolves in their survival attempts, but he is not convinced they can do it.

Chris Sutton predicts Aston Villa vs Wolves

It is a massive weekend for Wolves, who must simply start getting wins on the board.

Aston Villa are a tough match for any side, but with it being a West Midlands derby and the home side in great form, that will make matters even tougher.

The relegation battle is starting to look lopsided, and the Old Gold are beginning to fall further and further away from the rest of the contenders.

Now, Chris Sutton, a man who knows what it takes to be in a battle for survival, believes the Old Gold are missing one key trait.

Sutton said (via BBC Sport), “New boss Rob Edwards did not get the start he wanted with Wolves last week, and things will not be any easier here.

“As for bottom club Wolves, well, they are in desperate trouble. I remember one season with Blackburn [1996-97] when we had four points from our first 11 Premier League games.

“We ended up staying up, but, with respect, we had some good players and were also super aggressive with the way we played to pick up results. I am not so sure Wolves have that about them.”

The former Blackburn forward has gone with Aston Villa to win 2-0, joining Paul Merson, who also thinks the Old Gold stand no chance.

Rob Edwards will be looking to prove the doubters wrong, and a statement win in this derby game can be just that.

Sutton’s anecdote is certainly one that should be heard. He has been in a similar situation, and he was able to survive.

While he believes Blackburn had more quality, there are still players in the Old Gold setup who can make a difference.

Fighting for the badge, being aggressive, and truly wanting to go out and win games may be the best way to get results on the board.

They will simply have to step up on Sunday in what is a huge match for the club and for Rob Edwards.

But Wolves will have to be wary of one key Aston Villa strength ahead of Sunday’s game.

Wolves will be clinging to the football cliché about derby games

The classic saying ‘form goes out the window in derby games’ is a football cliche, but Wolves will have to hope that it rings true this weekend.

And that desire to get one over your rivals could be enough to push a win over the line.

The Old Gold were in a relegation scrap last season as well, and they still managed to get three points against Unai Emery’s side as they won 2-0 at Molineux, showing upsets can happen.

Aston Villa have struggled to create chances this season, and we predict the game to have few goals in our three predictions for the West Midlands derby.

The Villans are coming off the back of a win in the Europa League against Young Boys, which is sure to be a confidence booster.

Wolves certainly have it all to do.