Normally, Manchester City vs Liverpool with seven games left would be the Big Match but the title is already won. Therefore, a West Midlands derby between a side facing relegation and a side chasing the Champions League is the eye-catching fixture.
Aston Villa have played three games since the restart and won none but drawing two, although one of those was the 'ghost goal' versus Sheffield United. Dean Smith is not panicking yet but the position Villa find themselves in is not too bad. No win in seven league matches but those draws against Sheffield United and Newcastle United have put Villa on level points with Bournemouth (18th) and West Ham, with Watford one point and place ahead with 28 points. The goal difference is close so Villa can avoid the drop - if they start winning.
Wolves have been flying since the restart. 2-0 and 1-0 wins over West Ham and Bournemouth have both featured the combination of Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore. Traore beats his man down the right wing, crosses to the back post and Jimenez heads home. The development of Traore this season has been frightening. There was always a player in him but there was a lack of end product. Whatever Nuno Espirito Santo has done, it's worked wonders and on form Traore is one of the best players in the league.
While Villa are deep in a relegation battle, its the Champions League Wolves are challenging for. Currently sixth, Manchester United are ahead of them on goal difference but Chelsea (4th) are five points off and Leicester six. Tottenham are below Wolves by four points but I wouldn't see them as a threat to Wolves. Leicester have struggled to regain their previous form and a stuttering along with the other three hot on their heels. Even if Wolves don't qualify for the Champions League through the league, winning the Europa League remains a viable option for them.
For years, Aston Villa were the best West Midlands team but poor management saw them slide down to the Championship and Wolves, through their Portuguese connection, have raced ahead of Villa, West Brom and Birmingham to dominate their rivals. It wasn't too long ago Wolves were in League One, such is the rollercoaster the club has been on. It will continue with a league double over Villa.
It will be a tight game. Both sides have too much to lose so will no doubt start cautiously. Wolves ultimately have a better squad and are playing with confidence and a swagger Villa don't have.
PREDICTION
1-0 Wolves.
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