In what is one of the most eagerly anticipated ties of the season, Wolverhampton Wanderers play host to local rivals Aston Villa this weekend, in what is set to be an epic encounter in the West Midlands on Saturday evening.
Two of the favourites for promotion before a ball was kicked, Wolves are living up to their tag as title candidates, and lie just a point behind leaders Cardiff following the opening eleven games of the new campaign.
Visitors Aston Villa have begun to gather real pace in recent weeks following a slow start to the season, and Steve Bruce’s men lie just four points behind Saturday’s opponents in seventh place, knowing that a win is likely to elevate them into the play off positions.
Both sides are desperate for promotion, with the hosts having spent big this summer to ensure they return to the Premier League following a long-term absence.
Boss Nuno Espirito Santo was brought in this summer and backed in the market, and is so far delivering on his promise to deliver top flight football to the Molineux side.
Villa will be a tough test for the Portuguese and his side, and these are just several of the scenarios the manager could be forced to overcome when his side take to the field on Saturday...
Isolated striker
Leo Bonatini is realistically the only recognised striker on the books at Molineux at the moment, and Santo will certainly look to address this issue when the winter transfer window opens for business in January.
The Brazilian has impressed so far this season, but coming up against the mighty presence of John Terry and James Chester will be an imposing task for the 23-year-old.
Santo is likely to utilise Helder Costa and Diogo Jota on the wings to support the player, but the experience and ability of Villa’s central defensive pairing could be an extremely difficult endeavour for Bonatini.
To overcome this, Santo needs to give record-signing Ruben Neves a free reign in midfield.
The playmaker needs to be allowed to surge forward to support his team mate, and almost act as a second striker at times when Wolves are in attack.
Neves is much more talented going forward than he has shown thus far, and can certainly add many more goals to his game.
If he is given that free reign to support and often isolated Bonatini, then the Portuguese midfielder has an excellent chance of finding the net this weekend.
Jonathan Kodjia
Villa’s biggest threat by far, the Ivorian striker must be contained.
Kodjia has the ability to create chances out of nothing, and any lapses in concentration at the back will certainly be punished by the powerful forward.
Doubling up on the striker in the box could be necessary, and Roderick Miranda and Danny Batth could be the ones to contain the danger man.
Kodjia cannot be afforded an inch of space, and his impressive movement will seriously trouble the duo, but by doubling up on the player, his ability should be restricted by simply bullying him out of the game.
Overrun in midfield
Villa are likely to pack the middle of the park, with Glenn Whelan, Conor Hourihane and Josh Onomah candidates for the central roles.
Wolves run the risk of being overrun, and two holding players will be essential to stifling the creative threat of the Villa midfield.
Romain Saiss and Alfred N’Diaye are options available to Santo, with one of the pair likely to start with the other waiting in the wings to sure up the middle when called upon.
Neves cannot be kept on a leash in this fixture and needs to be given an air of freedom to support the attack, so the importance of one of Saiss or N’Diaye in that holding role could hold the key to victory.
It is set to be a huge encounter at Molineux, with three points and bragging rights on the line.
Both sides are in wonderful form, and it is very hard to call a winner, but if Santo can get his tactics right by stifling Villa’s main threats, then the Black Country side could march on to secure another priceless three points.
Wolves fans, what are you most concerned by heading into Saturday's fixture? Have your say below...