Wolves could use one of Aston Villa’s key weaknesses to unleash the talents of Nathan Fraser as the teenager hunts for his first Premier League goal.
Molineux has survived a weekend without club football, with Wolves returning to action against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
It’s set to be a sizeable task for Gary O’Neil’s side to overcome at Villa Park, as Unai Emery’s in-form side seeks three points to keep their top four hopes on target.
That being said, it’s also set to be a task for the Villans, who know just how threatening the Old Gold can be, especially when also playing for a spot in Europe.
It’s set to be a tough afternoon for the visitors, who will travel to Birmingham with a depleted squad due to injury however, one Aston Villa weakness could prompt O’Neil to utilise the strengths of one of his rotation players.
The Aston Villa weakness that Wolves could exploit
Following Villa’s draw with West Ham United, it was highlighted that Emery’s side consistently struggle to remain organised when defending against a set piece.
Statistics provided by the Premier League show just how frail Wolves’ Midlands rivals are when defending dead-ball situations, with only Luton Town, Burnley and Nottingham Forest conceding more goals from set-play this season.
Statistically comparable to three relegation-threatened sides is not where Emery would want his side to be given their improvement elsewhere however, it could be a subject for O’Neil to study ahead of the Old Gold’s trip to Villa Park.
Nathan Fraser could show his worth against Aston Villa
Wolves will take a squad far weaker than what they would want to Birmingham, with a host of first-team players set to be unavailable.
The formidable Matheus Cunha could return from injury to make a cameo however, it looks as though 19-year-old Nathan Fraser could lead the line once more.
Fraser made his full Premier League debut during Wolves’ hard-fought victory over Fulham, securing his fourth appearance in the top flight.
Naturally, the academy poacher will be seeking his first goal, which could come against Villa based on their weakness.
Fraser is competent in the air, as seen by his split of goals in the academy over the 2022/23 campaign where he netted three out of seven using his head.
The teenager could use his aerial strengths to expose Villa’s weaknesses at defending from set-pieces, a method that could hand the youngster his first goal in the top flight for his boyhood club.
It’s a fantastic chance for Fraser to get his foot further into the door at the first team, with Pablo Sarabia set to be the only senior forward fit to start the game – unless dramatic changes happen on the injury front before Saturday.