Wolves’ chances of relegation keep growing each passing week, and with Aston Villa on the horizon, that likelihood could increase – Paul Merson believes that to be the case.
It is Rob Edwards’ first game away from home, and it remains to be seen how he can turn this side around.
There is a real lack of quality in the group, and the data backs that up. Wolves have scored just seven goals and conceded 27.
There will be hope that Edwards can inspire a win such as Wolves’ 3-2 victory against Villa in 2021, but optimism may currently be hard to find.
And Paul Merson is certainly not adding to that.
Paul Merson gives Wolves no chance of beating Aston Villa
If Rob Edwards was looking for outside support ahead of playing Aston Villa, he will have to look elsewhere other than Paul Merson.
The former Arsenal player turned pundit has released his predictions ahead of the weekend and has given the Old Gold a brutal verdict.
Wolves are in desperate need of a win, having now gone 12 Premier League games without doing so this season. When factoring in last season, that run stretches to 16 games.
However, Paul Merson is not convinced one bit that winless streak can end at Villa Park.
Wolves’ comeback victory at Villa Park in 2021 was something special
Writing on his Sportskeeda column, Merson said, “I don’t think Wolves can win this weekend. It looks like Derby County’s record for lowest points will be under threat from Wolves this season.”
“If you look at Wolves’ results, they have lost to all three promoted teams. The upcoming run of fixtures doesn’t look easy for them either. Before you know it, Wolves could be dead and buried in this relegation battle. I can’t give Wolves a chance here; it feels like too much for them. Comfortable win for Villa.”
In the end the pundit has gone for a 3-0 win for Unai Emery’s side.
And if Rob Edwards wants any chance of a win, Wolves must nullify one of Aston Villa’s biggest strengths.
It is a bad time to play Aston Villa
Wolves travel to Villa Park at a terrible time.
The Villans are in great form, having won 18 of their last possible 21 points. Their run of form has seen them drastically climb the table in that time from 18th to fourth place.
Additionally, any hope that fatigue from playing in the Europa League has been quashed by their form after those games.
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.
Aston Villa have won all four of their Premier League games which have been scheduled after playing in Europe earlier that week.
Rob Edwards will need to pull something truly special off this weekend.
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