Rob Edwards will have a clear instruction for Joao Gomes against Aston Villa

Rob Edwards will have one worry about Joao Gomes when they play Aston Villa on Sunday.

It is a West Midlands derby, and games against rivals can be quite hectic and feisty. Typically, you would associate derbies with being filled with fouls and yellow cards.

Joao Gomes is a player who tends to pick up bookings from referees, and it is a criticism he has frequently received.

Over his Wolves career, he has played 102 games in the Premier League and averages a booking every 3.4 games.

It is a trait that has now left him in danger of a suspension for the Wanderers.

Joao Gomes is one yellow card away from suspension

Wolves are in danger of losing Joao Gomes to suspension on Sunday against Aston Villa, and that would mean the Brazilian is ruled out against Nottingham Forest.

So far this season, the midfielder has accumulated four yellow cards, and for players who receive five in the first 19 matches, that results in a one-game ban.

The Wolves head coach will no doubt be aware of the circumstances heading into this clash, and he will be hoping that Joao Gomes keeps it calm and does not get himself into the book.

It would be a huge blow for the Molineux side to lose him for any of the upcoming fixtures.

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Wolves got six yellows in this fixture last year

If Rob Edwards was not already concerned he could lose his midfielder for one game, then last year’s statistics will not help ease his worries.

In Aston Villa’s 3-1 win against Wolves last season, the Old Gold picked up six yellow cards, and the Brazilian was one of those booked on the day.

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.

However, the Wanderers could be helped by who is going to officiate the game.

Rob Jones has been selected to referee, and over his 14 matches officiating in a Wolves game, he only has a yellow cards per game of 1.64.

And for Aston Villa, in 17 matches, it is even lower at 1.41. It is quite a low booking rate, and that could be some early good news for when Wolves play Nottingham Forest.

Just do not do anything silly, Joao Gomes. Rob Edwards will need you on Wednesday as well, with Sam Johnstone admitting the head coach has enough concerns as it is.