Gary O’Neil, fresh from links with a
Manchester United hotseat that isn’t even vacant, is looking forward to taking his Wolves team to Aston Villa today. The Wolves boss does so knowing he will be without the likes of Craig Dawson, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Hee Chan Hwang and Pedro Neto but hopeful that Matheus Cunha will return to play at Villa Park. Wolves make the trip across the West Midlands in ninth place, five spots and 15 points behind Unai Emery’s
Champions League chasers but having won three of their last four league games and yet to suffer defeat at Villa Park since returning to the top flight. READ | Gary Neville makes Aston Villa and
Tottenham top four prediction after Man Utd 'shocker' READ | Every word Unai Emery said about Aston Villa vs Wolves, Duran, Tielemans and injuries He is relishing what is sure to be a hostile reception. “I’m really looking forward to another one," he said. "Taking the lads into one that’s going to be loud and a testing atmosphere, and see what we can do to maybe quieten it and have our own way against it. “It’s another big game for the supporters which we like, we’ve been able to give them some good ones so far this year and the lads have worked really hard since they’re returned from all over the place to get down, focused and ready to face Aston Villa. “I think I’ve got a good idea of what Villa will look like, definitely shape-wise and probably personnel-wise, there’s obviously a couple of question marks still in there, but whoever they play, they’re an incredibly talented team. “Of course, they’ve got a couple missing, but they’ll be a really tough test that the lads are looking forward to. They have a good understanding of what’s needed to get us through the game, and an opportunity to put another memorable result on the board.” One player O’Neil knows his team will be facing is Ollie Watkins, who has returned from his audition as Harry Kane’s
England understudy and who will be intent on adding to his 16
Premier League goals so far this term. O’Neil is an admirer of the 28-year-old. “He makes up a really good number nine in the Premier League, especially playing in a good team with a good understanding. He’s done very well and it’s really good to be able to make the steps up that he has to become a really accomplished Premier League striker, so he will be a big test for us. “He’s one of the best number nines in the league, as the numbers show, and we did fairly well in the home game, and we tried some bits to keep him as quiet as possible, but I’m sure at Villa Park it will be even more difficult.” What will be the score at Villa Park today? Have your say here