Following an exciting 4-2 victory over Celtic in the UEFA Champions League, Aston Villa enters their Premier League matchup with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Villa Park witnessed yet another remarkable European evening as the outcome guaranteed their spot in the competition’s round of 16. Now, focus returns to domestic play. Emery’s team is now ranked seventh in the league and is still vying for a spot in Europe.
The Villans will be keen to get back to winning ways as they make the quick trip to Molineux because they drew 1-1 with West Ham in their Premier League match. After defeating Wolves 3-1 at Villa Park earlier in the season, a win would cut the gap on the top six and complete a league double over Wolves.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Emery addressed Villa’s busy schedule, the test that Wolves will pose, the latest team news, and speculation surrounding Ollie Watkins’ future.
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On the problems caused by fixture schedule
With Villa balancing Premier League and Champions League commitments, Emery acknowledged the demands placed on his squad but insisted that adapting to the schedule is key to competing at the highest level.
“I don’t think how we are playing matches in a row with the demands we have, I don’t think it should be an excuse,” he said. “Because if we want to increase our level, if we want to fight or to compete in the level we are now, we have to accept, we have to adapt.”
While the Villa boss admitted he sometimes misses the longer preparation time that comes with a lighter schedule, he emphasised that his side must embrace the challenge.
“For a long time, I am playing in Europe, and I know how we can prepare each match as well as possible,” he continued. “Firstly, is resting, good food, and secondly, preparing matches with small work on the field and through meetings.”
Despite the tight turnaround following their Champions League win, Emery is focused on selecting the strongest lineup available. “Tomorrow, I am not thinking to rest with the players maybe because they are tired, I am thinking to choose the best players we have,” he explained.
“Resting, having good food, preparing the game tomorrow, respecting them, and playing 90 minutes at 100%.”
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Facing Wolves away from home
Villa travel to Molineux aiming to complete a league double over Wolves, but Emery is well aware of the challenge that awaits them.
“Tomorrow the challenge is to compete,” he said. “Respecting them [Wolves], to adapt as well, how we have to face them with their tactical idea, with their game plan, with their individual skills. And of course, we have to try to dominate with our idea.”
Wolves come into the fixture on a difficult run of form, but Emery stressed that his players must remain focused. “To compete, to be focused, to be demanding, they are values always we are trying to set in each match,” he added.
“Tomorrow, we have players to be ready and waiting [for the] opportunity to play.”
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Team news ahead of the clash
Villa will be without Matty Cash for the next few weeks, while Tyrone Mings is also a doubt for the trip to Wolves. Cash picked up an injury in the win over Celtic, while Mings has been nursing a knee issue since the draw with West Ham.
“We will train this afternoon, but Matty Cash is not available,” Emery confirmed. “He is going to be out for three or four weeks. Mings has a small injury, but I think he will need some days more to be ready to play.”
Ross Barkley also remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a calf injury. “Barkley still has work to do individually before he joins us,” Emery added.
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Asked about future of Ollie Watkins
Amid reported interest from Arsenal, Emery revealed that Watkins remains committed to Aston Villa and is happy to stay at the club.
“The commitment of Watkins is really a huge commitment to defend Aston Villa,” he said. “He appreciates how Aston Villa was always supporting him and helping him. Also, when we joined two years ago, how we always tried to get the best of him.”
Arsenal’s bid for Watkins was reportedly lodged on Monday, but the striker showed no signs of distraction, delivering a crucial goal and two assists in the win over Celtic.
Emery made it clear that Watkins is still totally focused on the club’s goals, even though transfer interest is a good indicator of Villa’s development.
“It benefits both the players and us when some teams call us to express interest in them,” he stated.
While some players would rather leave, others agree to stay, dedicate themselves to Aston Villa, and participate in our struggles. Ollie Watkins is one of them.
Emery was adamant when asked directly if Watkins had told him he was happy to stay: “Yes, he is happy to stay.” He told us he was delighted here when we asked how he was feeling.
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