UNAI BIDS TO SMASH A HOWLER OF A STAT

UNAI EMERY wants Aston Villa’s players to bury his hoodoo today – and enjoy doing so in the meantime.

The Spaniard lines up for the west Midlands derby having never beaten Wolves.

The Molineux men – and Liverpool – are the only sides that Villa’s boss has not defeated during his 17-month reign at Villa Park.

But Emery (above) also never experienced victory over the Black Country club while he was in charge of Arsenal.

Villa’s boss was aware of the painful statistic, but told his squad to revel in the responsibility of chasing a top-four spot.

He said: “The last five matches Villa have played against Wolverhampton, we didn’t win.

“Myself, as a coach, with Arsenal or Villa, I didn’t win. I know it.

“I played against them with Villa when Nuno Espirito Santo was there. It was very competitive. And two times against Julen Lopetegui. The same.

“And this year, with Gary O’neil (circled). I respect them a lot.

“So this will be a great match for us.

“We’ll have to do a lot of things very well to beat them. Their transition is very good, their organisation is strong. They have good players in duels, the midfielders, I like a lot.”

Villa sit fourth in the Premier League table – but the club is entering unchartered territory.

The former European Champions have not qualified for the competition since it was re-branded and re-worked as the Champions League.

Asked what could make the key difference, Emery said: “Now we are in the moment, the message is, ‘Enjoy’.

“Focus on the enjoyment, working and enjoy gathering here, in the hotel and the dressing-room.

“Respect each team, each competition and play with discipline.”

Emery will give a late fitness test to midfielder Jacob Ramsey ahead of the game and also admitted striker Jhon Duran needs time on the pitch.

Villa’s boss sprang a surprise during their last fixture by starting the young Colombian alongside Ollie Watkins, but the experiment was called to a halt after 45 minutes.

Emery added: “Maybe if Jhon was playing in another country, another league, maybe he could exploit his potential more quickly.

“We need time, and patience, we need to help him, support him and make a plan in his process.”