Wolverhampton Wanderers have experienced a mixed bag of results this season and this is reflected by their mid-table league position.

Wolves currently sit in 12th spot with 4 wins, 4 losses and 3 draws to their name.

After being taken over by a Chinese consortium, Wolves invested heavily in new recruits this summer and replaced long-serving manager Kenny Jackett with reputable Italian boss Walter Zenga.

While it will inevitably take some time for all the new foreign imports to bed in to life in the Championship, Wolves have shown some real signs of class this season at times.

A tactically spot on performance away at St. James' Park earned Zenga's side a 2-0 victory against Newcastle. This is of course contrasted by their 4-0 loss to Barnsley at Molineux or their 2-1 loss against struggling Wigan.

They have lost two on the bounce but will be glad to see a fairly local derby approaching this weekend.

Aston Villa are without a manager and deflated.

Just one win in eleven games has left them scrapping in 19th spot, just two points clear of the relegation spots.

Wolves will be eyeing this late kick-off as a chance to get back on track and pounce on Villa whilst their Midlands counterparts are still vulnerable.

This team, in a 4-3-3 formation, should secure all three points for Zenga at Villa Park...

 

GK: Carl Ikeme

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Carl Ikeme is a solid option for Wolves between the sticks.

The long serving 30-year-old progressed through the academy but has stuck by Wolves despite their relegation to League One, and has made over 150 appearances for the club.

The Nigeria international should be preferred to Andy Lonergan as the first choice goalkeeper.

RB: Matt Doherty

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Matt Doherty has really grown into his full back role over the past year or so and can operate on either side.

The 24-year-old has played over 100 times for Wolves and is praised for his forward runs as well as his defensive contributions.

The former Republic of Ireland under-21 international cannot be far away from a senior call-up if he can continue to perform at such high standards.

CB: Dominic Iorfa

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Wolves resisted a deadline day approach from West Ham for their prized youngster Dominic Iorfa, and they will be relieved to still have him in the side.

The England under-21 international is considered one of the country's brightest prospects, and has plenty of Championship experience already for Wolves.

Although he is more naturally a full back, the 21-year-old is growing into a centre half role too and he has the physical attributes to fulfil this role.

CB: Danny Batth

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Wolves were boosted when local boy and academy graduate Danny Batth signed a new contract with the club recently.

The experienced 6'3'' centre half is now captain of the club he has been with for 16 years.

Walter Zenga will be hoping for more assured performances and leadership qualities from the 26-year-old.

LB: Cameron Borthwick-Jackson

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Manchester United loanee Cameron Borthwick-Jackson has impressed at Wolves so far.

The 19-year-old has made the left back spot his own and shown why Louis Van Gaal did not hesitate to give him first team opportunities last year in the Premier League and in Europe.

The England under-20 international has five Wolves games to his name and will hope to add to that against Aston Villa at the weekend.

CM: Prince Oniangue

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Defensive midfielder Prince Oniangue has proved to be one of the best signings of the summer so far with composed displays in central midfield.

The 6'3'' Congo international joined from Stade Reims and has impressed Wolves fans with his hard-tackling, high energy performances.

Despite being a defensive midfielder more naturally, the 27-year-old has already netted twice this season for Wolves.

CM: Romain Saiss

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Romain Saiss has impressed in his four outings for Wolves so far this season and looks to be a key member of the starting line-up.

The Morocco international is a dominating defensive-minded midfielder who can also play at the back.

After joining from Angers this summer, the 26-year-old is settling into life in England pretty well and should keep his spot in the team despite already being one booking away from suspension.

CM: David Edwards

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David Edwards is Mr. Reliable in the heart of midfield for Wolves and has vast experience of the English game.

The 30-year-old has played over 250 games in total for Wolves and brings plenty of energy and work rate to the midfield ranks.

The Wales international was representing his country in the international break but will be eager to get all three points at Villa Park this Saturday.

RM: Helder Costa

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Wolves' most potent attacking outlet is probably through Helder Costa.

The 22-year-old is on loan from Benfica and his blistering pace is enough to frighten any full back in the league.

With two goals in eleven appearances, the Portugal youth international will be aiming to add more end product to his game.

 

LM: Ivan Cavaleiro

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There is no doubting Ivan Cavaleiro's potential and you can't help but feel an exceptional performance is just round the corner.

The 22-year-old winger joined from Monaco this summer in what was reported to be a record transfer fee.

With one goal in six appearances, the Portugal international will be aiming to kick on from here, starting against Aston Villa.

ST: Nouha Dicko

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A devastating injury sidelined Nouha Dicko for the majority of last season but the diminutive striker is coming back to full fitness now.

After scoring twice for the under-23 side against Crewe in the EFL Trophy, perhaps it's time for Walter Zenga to gamble on the Mali international.

The 24-year-old is probably Wolves' most natural goalscorer and, if fully fit, should be preferred to Joe Mason or Paul Gladon.