The starting Wolves XI Rob Edwards should field vs Aston Villa as Ladislav Krejci replaced

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As relegation looms large, Wolves are gearing up for another West Midlands derby against Aston Villa at Molineux.

It’s another difficult fixture for Wolves, who will try to bounce back from a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. The Old Gold competed well at Selhurst Park last weekend, but were undone by a late goal after going down to 10 men.

There will be changes on the horizon for Wolves this Friday, with Ladislav Krejci suspended following his red card against Palace.

Here’s an XI Rob Edwards ought to consider for the visit of Villa.

How Wolves should set up vs Aston Villa

There have been signs of improvement for Wolves in recent weeks. They managed to hold league leaders Arsenal to a draw in their last home game, showcasing resilience and determination.

But Villa will provide a stern test, and it will be interesting to see what Edwards does.

Jose Sa should keep his place, and then his backline will have at least one change due to Krejci’s suspension.

Yerson Mosquera and Santiago Bueno will likely keep their places, and maybe Toti Gomes could come in to replace Krejci directly. As much as he will be lacking match sharpness, he is the best fit for that position.

Rodrigo Gomes and Hugo Bueno can provide outlets as the wing-backs. There is simply no good reason Jackson Tchatchoua should be starting over Gomes now.

In midfield, Joao Gomes should be brought back in after starting against Palace on the bench, and should be partnered by Andre.

Mateus Mane has been playing a lot, but it’s just hard to see Edwards rotating him.

Tolu Arokodare should be given the chance to atone for his penalty miss against Palace, with Adam Armstrong to play in and around him.

Wolves (3-5-2): Sa/Mosquera, S.Bueno, Toti/R.Gomes, Andre, J.Gomes, Mane, H.Bueno/Armstrong, Arokodare.

The derby’s importance

Historically, Wolves have fared well at home against Aston Villa. This derby, therefore, presents not just an opportunity for redemption, but also a chance to restore some pride.

That said Villa, arrive with a strong away record.

As the teams prepare to face off under the Molineux lights, Wolves will look to spring a shock against Villa and put a dent in their hopes of closing the gap to Manchester City.

Wolves are all but down, but the chance to be a thorn in Villa’s side should serve as motivation on Friday night.