Villa – Wolves; I know it’s a derby, but I’m fairly confident.

I’m fickle.
There, I admit it.

After what I thought was a poor show against Liverpool, I was left with no faith whatsoever in us winning at Spurs, but the Villa did what they often do and took all the points, just when I’d have put money on them losing.

By the same token, I’m almost worried to have a bit of confidence in us beating Wolves at home, but on paper it ought to be an easier task.
Where going back to what the Villa often do, means we have every chance of losing this one, just because I expect to win.
I’m being a bit repetetive, but seriously, how often have we been let down over the years?

I am well confident though.

I watched Wolves against Everton and thought they were somewhat lucky to win. Consider that Brighton have spanked Everton 4-1 at Goodison and again, on paper, it tells you that that Wolves victory didn’t mean a lot.
And then consider their lowly position in the league and the game is looking even easier.

Except we all know it doesn’t work like that.
Wolves will be fighting for their lives and it’s a derby. Enough said.

Squad news and for us, Martinez will be back in goal. Mind you, I said that against Spurs and the Villa did their usual trick in proving me wrong.
After slating Olsen blind in his previous games, I actually feel sorry for him now, because he did very little if anything at all, wrong last time out.
Martinez is head and shoulders our number one and a major part of our side, so he is going to have to come back sometime.
There’s going to be a big flag going round the Holte as he walks out and hopefully the plaudits he’ll receive from the fans keep in sparkling form.
Other big news is that John Mcginn is doubtful, because of a hamstring problem . Leander Dendoncker, who might be the natural replacement is also doubtful, as is Douglas Luiz. Add in that Jacob Ramsey is close, but probably not ready for a full 90 minutes and we suddenly look to have a midfield problem.
Hopefully one of the trainers will get the magic sponge out. Or more likely these days, painkilling jabs will prove appropriate.

Wolves have no new issues, but still have Chiquinho, Pedro Neto and Sasa Kalajdzic all out. Boubacar Traore and Jonny Otto are closer to starting after being on the bench last time out.
New signing Matheus Cunha will probably feature.

After seeing our possible injury issues, I’ve suddenly lost a bit of confidence.
Then again, Emery seems to have got us on a bit of a roll.
I can’t say I like the football for the most part, but there’s no doubt it’s effective.
We look more organised, better balanced and look like the players’s confidence has risen purely because they know exactly what they’re expected to do. It’s no doubt down to Emery’s attention to detail.
Add in that Emery seems to have back up plans and knows how to adjust to the game as it’s playing out and I have to say that it’s an overall combination that should prove too much for Wolves.

I see goals, but think it will be close.
I’m going 2-1 to us.