Tony Daley tips Villa to edge derby day against Wolves
Villa legend and former Wolves coach Tony Daley sees defences coming out on top tomorrow – but backed hosts Villa to sneak a win.
Ex-Molineux fitness and conditioning man Daley, 50, remains confident that Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are in the driving seat for automatic promotion to the Premier League this season.
But Daley reckons that Villa Park chief Steve Bruce has his side well-oiled at the right time and expects the hosts to just have enough tomorrow.
“I’m going down to the game and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Daley. “It should be an absolutely great game.
“I don’t think there’ll be many goals but it’ll be a really good game.
“Villa being at home will really want to win and help them push into the top two. Wolves will take a point but still look for all three.”
Wolves dominated Villa in October and eased to a 2-0 success, as Nuno’s men powered into a run of nine wins from 11 games in all competitions. Daley picked out Jack Grealish as Villa’s key threat and hailed the way Steve Bruce has turned around Villa’s campaign.
“They’ve really gelled,” he added.
“Steve Bruce has got it right with his squad. There is a lot of depth and they are scoring goals. Jack Grealish has really been a creative spark since coming back from his injury.
“Wolves have played fantastic football all season and Villa are now playing their best football this season.”
Daley, who left the club last summer, laughed off ideas of a Wolves wobble following their winless run of three games.
He added that the Championship leaders looked back to their best in Wednesday’s comprehensive 3-0 win at Leeds.
“They’d only lost twice in 20-odd league games,” he said. “Wolves have been outstanding all season and the other night they looked back to their best.”
He laughed: “You’re asking a Villa fan to predict the score!
“It’ll be a really, really close game with just one goal in it and I reckon Villa will get it.”
Since departing Wolves, Daley has been working alongside his business partner and ex-Birmingham defender Dave Barnett at Birmingham-based Pro Level Performance.
The scheme offers coaching, mentoring and advice to young footballers aged 12 to 18.
