GARY NEWBON Wolves eye Europe – but Villa’s only goal is survival
WHAT a contrast between Aston Villa and Wolves – the latter winning the weekend’s West Midlands’ derby 1-0 at Villa Park. Wolves (playing their 51st match since July with mostly the same lineup) have slipped under the radar to challenge both for a European Champions League spot for next season and a Europa League trophy this season.
Villa, having plenty of spirit but a blunt strikeforce, face – with Bournemouth – the toughest run-in of matches compared with their rivals to avoid relegation.
The only saving grace is that it remains very tight for the last two drop spots. Norwich look too anchored at the bottom.
You may have sympathy with the Villa manager Dean Smith that they have now played four matches in 11 days.
Most of the goals in the Premier League restart have come in the second half where each side is allowed to use, if they have not already, five substitutes.
Wolves finish their league season at Chelsea. It will then be a year and a day since they began this season’s Europa League qualifier against the Crusaders. And look at their position today.
Villa, having spent £142 million on transfers – second only to Real Madrid’s £153 million in Europe – are best priced at 2/7 by the bookies to go down. That means you would have to place, say, £7 to win £2!
There is no use blaming the packed schedule. Money is at the root of it. The many millions paid collectively by TV fees... against the prospect of paying large chunks back to the rights holders both home and abroad.
They have to get next season going soon!
As it happens, Villa this time have a break from early last Saturday afternoon to 4.30pm on Sunday afternoon at Liverpool.
Meanwhile, the new champions have a monster of a game at Manchester City on Thursday evening.
Wolves are currently fifth, two points behind fourthplaced Chelsea.
If Manchester City lose next month’s appeal against a European ban, then the top five places will qualify for the Champions League.
Wolves are quite amazing. They play great football with a back three flanked by attacking full-backs who can defend as well.
Outstanding midfielders with the
Villa head coach Dean Smith was unhappy with the result but it was another good day for Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo
potent Raul Jimenez up front (15 Premier League goals to date) and with the pacy Adama Traore on the wing.
Traore had joined Villa for several million in August 2015 from Barcelona on a five– year contract but a year later was sold to Middlesbrough. How did that happen? Wolves use a small squad. Their manager Nuno Espirito Santo has a wonderful system for his talent to work to.
They now have a break until Saturday tea-time’s home match with Arsenal.
In the Europa League they are in
the round of 16 having drawn away to Olympiacos of Greece 1-1 in the first leg.
Villa could, of course, still survive. Watford lost 3-1 at home on Sunday to Southampton, which means it is so tight still between Villa, Bournemouth, West Ham and Watford.
Just one point separates them, although Villa have an inferior goal difference. Six games to go, although both Bournemouth and West Ham have a game in hand to be played tomorrow.
It may go down to the wire for the final places with West Ham-villa the final match for both!
Smith is a good man and manager, having taken Villa back to the Premier League last season.
I hope he survives but football management can be a rotten business.
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Smith is a good man and manager, having taken Villa back to the Premier League. I hope he survives but management can be rotten.