Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has the chance to do something that he’s never done in his managerial career against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
Following the international break, Wolves return to action with a bang, as the Old Gold travel to Villa Park to face Midlands rivals Aston Villa in the Premier League.
It’s set to be a lively affair between the two clubs, who will both want to start the run-in to the end of the 2023/24 season in style by claiming three points.
Before the break in play, Wolves recorded a much-needed win in the league against Fulham, on a day that saw injury take away the shine of the victory, with key players needing to withdraw.
If there’s one thing that Gary O’Neil’s side can overcome, it’s adversity, and with his depleted squad, the boss will hope to keep the momentum going and do something he’s yet to do in his managerial career on Saturday.
What Gary O’Neil must do for the first time v Aston Villa
Considering the fine work that O’Neil has done both at Wolves this season and Bournemouth last year, it’s easy to forget that the Englishman has been in management for less than two years.
In his career as a manager so far, the 40-year-old has played Aston Villa twice however, has never secured a win over the Villans, something he will want to change at Villa Park on Saturday.
To relieve the pressure of the statistic, Villa boss Unai Emery is in a similar boat, having never experienced victory over Wolves in his managerial career, failing to win in the six times he’s come up against the Old Gold.
Three points against Aston Villa would be huge for Gary O’Neil and Wolves
While Villa are a very strong team, as seen by them sitting in fourth place in the table, the Birmingham club are not by any means unbeatable.
Wolves’ Midlands neighbours impressed earlier in the season by sporting an impeccable home record however, their performances at Villa Park have recently slipped.
In their last four Premier League matches at home, Villa have secured one win and three losses, conceding 11 goals along the way.
While Saturday’s hosts will want to right their wrongs, it could be a perfect opportunity for Wolves to pick up three points at Villa Park and bolster their European hopes as May fast approaches.
Against Fulham at Molineux, the Old Gold proved their strength and mentality, earning the win in the second half despite having a squad depleted by injury, with key players missing.
There will be hope that a similar level of resilience can be shown against the Villans, in what is poised to be a thriller between the two clubs.