A must-win at Molineux: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Aston Villa match preview and team news

The Premier League weekend begins in the Black Country, where Villa will try to get their Champions League quest back on the rails

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be a Championship team in 2026/27 but they are, for now, playing in the Premier League and threatening to inflict serious damage to the hopes of others.

Aston Villa visit Molineux on Friday night desperate not to become the latest team to fluff their lines against Wolves. Rob Edwards’ team aren’t likely to produce a sudden surge in form but recent draws with Newcastle United and Arsenal proved that there’s some fight left in the dogs.

Relegation from the Premier League is inevitable but losing every game is not. Ten points is an atrocious return from 26 matches but if Wolves can stick one on league leaders Arsenal, Villa can’t take anything for granted.

Manager Unai Emery is not prone to complacency. His midfield has been weakened but there’s no room for self-pity either. The win is waiting somewhere in between the two.

On paper, a professional Villa performance should get the job done. Anything less will not be enough. Any underperformance will be punished. Wolves are quite evidently a poor side but Villa must improve if they’re to beat them.