Wolves vs Aston Villa Bet Builder Tips: Cunha & Watkins on target at Molineux

Fresh from a midweek battering of Celtic (5-2) that secured them a direct ticket to the last 16 of the Uefa Champions League, Aston Villa take a short trip across the Midlands on Saturday (17:30, Sky Sports Main Event) as they face Wolves at Molineux.

Ahead of the game, check out my Wolves vs Aston Villa Bet Builder tips below, where I have combined four selections for a 20/1 payout.

Football Odds

Wolves vs Aston Villa Odds

Ollie Watkins (AVL) Anytime Goalscorer

Aston Villa's main man Ollie Watkins was subject to a bid from Premier League title-chasers Arsenal on Wednesday but with second-choice centre-forward Jhon Duran destined for a switch to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, an exit for the 29-year-old never seemed likely.

As it is, Watkins' position as Unai Emery's number-one striker now looks much more secure. Previously, there was talk of Duran usurping his more senior colleague after a sensational start to the season that saw him emerge as one of Europe's standout young strikers, but there are now no such worries for Watkins who is now guaranteed to start every game as long as he is fit.

With his Duran worries behind him, and three goals in his last five games, Watkins will head to Molineux confident of adding to his 10-goal tally in the Premier League.

The England international has scored two in his last three appearances against the Old Gold, the most recent of which came in September's reverse fixture at Villa Park as he struck Villa's equaliser before the hosts went on to win 3-1, and looks a good bet to net again on Saturday.

Matheus Cunha (WOL) Anytime Goalscorer

As important as Watkins is to Villa, Matheus Cunha is equally, if not more, essential to Wolves, as his 10 strikes account for 31.3 per cent of their 32-goal Premier League tally this season.

The Brazilian hasn't scored since opening the scoring in Wolves' 2-0 win over Manchester United on Boxing Day, failing to score in four games and missing another through suspension, but his side have experienced some difficult fixtures in that period, and Saturday is their best chance in a while to pick up a point following four successive defeats in the top flight.

Cunha opened the scoring at Villa Park earlier this season and with a Molineux exit now looking unlikely as the transfer window begins to creak shut, his mind may now be clearer, allowing him to focus on his responsibilities for the next few months as Wolves aim to avoid relegation.

Villa have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 games and with injuries to key personnel in defence, have vulnerabilities that Cunha can exploit this weekend.

Andre (WOL) Carded

Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes is suspended for Wolves on Saturday following the red card he received in last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, so it's up to compatriot Andre to put out any fires in the middle of the park.

The summer signing from Fluminense has made 18 Premier League appearances (16 starts) since leaving his homeland, picking up three yellow cards and averaging a foul per game. He's upended an opponent at least twice in each of his last three matches and was booked in a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on January 20.

On Saturday, he'll be tasked with containing talents such as Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers, fouled, on average, 0.9 and 1.4 times per game respectively this term, and he could be forced to take alternative action to deal with the duo.

Nelson Semedo (WOL) 2+ Fouls

Finishing off this Bet Builder is a couple of fouls from Wolves skipper Nelson Semedo, who is averaging 1.6 fouls per game this season, committing five last time out against Arsenal and two before that at Chelsea.

His direct opponent on Saturday is likely to be Ramsey who he fouled twice inside a minute at Villa Park in September, so two fouls for him looks a good shout.

Offers

Double Delight & Hat-Trick Heaven: Place a pre-match single bet on the first goalscorer market and get DOUBLE or TREBLE the odds if your winning First Goalscorer bet scores a 2nd and 3rd.

We will be Top Price on Aston Villa to beat Wolves with selected bookmakers using Oddschecker for the comparison. (Available from 09:30 Saturday)

Place an In-Play single bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2+ on any Premier League or Championship game on Friday or Saturday and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Sunday’s games. (Credited upon Bet Settlement)

Build your own Bet Builder bet (3/1+) of 4+ legs on any Premier League game on Saturday and get 50% of your stake back in Free Bets up to £5 if you lose. (Credited within 24 hours)

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down