Wolves did the double over their West Midlands rivals last season but are gripped by uncertainty as they prepare to host an Aston Villa side who have been strong away from home so far. Nuno Espírito Santo had been trying to develop his team’s style of play even before suffering the most unwelcome of complications, the loss of Raul Jiménez to injury. Villa, though deprived of Ross Barkley, are more settled and will aim to exploit and add to Wolves’ difficulties. Paul Doyle
Saturday 12.30pm BT Sport 1
Venue Molineux
Last season Wolves 2 Aston Villa 1
Odds H 13-9 A 2-1 D 2-1
Referee Mike Dean
This season G8 Y26 R1 3.37 per/game
WOLVES
Subs from Ruddy, Kilman, Aït-Nouri, Moutinho, Otasowie, Vitinha, Buur, Hoever, Saïss
Doubtful None
Injured Jiménez (head, unknown, Jonny (knee, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y14 R0
Form DWLDWL
Leading scorer Jiménez 4
ASTON VILLA
Subs from Kalinic, Steer, Taylor, Nakamba, El Ghazi, Jota, Elmohamady, Davis, Ramsey, Chrisene, Traoré, Heaton, Hause
Doubtful None
Injured Barkley (hamstring, 17 Dec), Wesley (knee, Jan), Engels (hamstring, unknown), Guilbert (chest, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y17 R0
Form WLLWLL
Leading scorer Watkins 6
