Black Country rivals Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers will meet on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup at Villa Park.
The Premier League teams are one step away from the quarterfinals of the cup tournament. Despite their progression to this point, neither side is setting the Premier League on fire.
Newly-promoted Aston Villa are 15th with 11 points from 30 possible while Wolverhampton Wanderers have been put through the wringer this season due to domestic and Europa League matches. Nuno Espirito Santo’s team has taken 12 points from 30.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions going into Wednesday night’s fixture. Draws have been Wolves’ biggest issue this season as they have failed to turn them into victories. Wolverhampton Wanderers lead the Premier League in draws with six.
Aston Villa head into the midweek fixture following a loss to Manchester City away at the weekend, 3-0. The loss ended a four-match unbeaten run in all competitions for Dean Smith’s team.
The Villains reached the Carabao Cup fourth round courtesy of a 3-1 win over Brighton away. Now at home, they will hope to win at Villa Park for just the third time this season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers defeated Reading on penalties to reach the fourth round. Wolves were cruising in the cup tie only to concede a late goal forcing them to penalties. Luckily, the West Midlands team held its nerve to progress.
Between 2016 and 2018, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers were EFL Championship rivals. Wolverhampton Wanderers were unbeaten in three of four matches against Aston Villa with three games ending in wins.
However, Wolves were unable to win at Villa Park picking up just one point from six during that time in the EFL Championship. Their last match at Villa Park played in March 2018 saw Aston Villa win 4-1. It was their only match of the four to see over 2.5 goals scored.
Smith maybe without midfielder Jack Grealish who took a knock to his calf against Manchester City on Saturday.
It could be enough to keep him out of the fixture with eyes on Aston Villa’s league match against Liverpool on Saturday. Summer signing Jota isn’t expected back until November from a groin injury.
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Ryan Bennett will not play in midweek due to an abductor injury. He won’t return until November. More worrying for Wolves is the injury to Willy Boly.
According to initial reports, Boly has fractured his fibula which will keep the big centre-back on the sidelines for several weeks. He may require surgery.
Both teams may have their eyes on the Premier League table more than this fixture. However, as local rivals, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers will play hard for the victory. Expect a low-scoring game with the match level after 90 minutes. Penalties will be needed to settle the final score.
Home
Football 
Basketball
Hockey
American Football
Baseball
Rugby
Volleyball
Handball
Esoccer
