Aston Villa v Wolves: Nuno relishing special derby clash

That December fixture ended in bitter disappointment for those in old gold and black as a last minute Anwar El Ghazi penalty sealed all three points for the Villans.

Wolves have a mixed recent record against Villa but for Nuno it is always billed as noteworthy occasion.

“All the matches against Villa are always special,” Nuno said.

“Some of those we had good performances and good results, some with bad performances and bad results.

“It’s always a special moment for us as Wolves and us as Wolves fans.

When asked if it is still special without supporters, he added: “Yes, it’s not the same, but yes.

“Derby games are always special for Wolves.

“It’s always a big game, a derby is always a big game.”

Despite what the league table shows Wolves enter tonight’s game in superior form to Villa who have won one of their last four Premier League matches.

Claret and blue talisman Jack Grealish is unlikely to feature due to injury and when asked if he expects a tough encounter, despite Villa’s captain missing out, Nuno said: “Yes for sure.

“We are going to face a tough team and it is going to be a competitive and hard game.

“Aston Villa has a very talented squad with many options.

“We’re going to face a tough opponent.

“Every game in the Premier League is very tough.

“Every game you can lose, draw or win against any of the opponents in the Premier League, that is how tough it is.”

Since becoming manager’s of these two famous clubs Nuno and Dean Smith have met four times, winning two each.

Now, with the task of avenging December’s loss, Nuno is full of praise for his adversary Smith and the strides Villa have made since escaping relegation last season.

“He has done a very good job,” Nuno said.

“I know Dean, we have faced each other many times and have shared some conversations. I truly have respect and admiration for him and his work.

“It’s clear that Villa has improved in the last few months, it’s a very tough opponents.

“There has been a clear improvement, in the squad and how they play, it’s evident.

“This proves that once you did good in the past you can’t rely, there’s always space for improvement. It happens to all the teams.

“Like us, we have to adapt and compete. There has been a clear improvement in Villa.”

Meanwhile, Willy Boly will hope to make his return from injury in time for derby day.

The defender has missed a month of action with a hamstring injury but returned to the squad for the 4-1 loss to Manchester City on Monday.

He was an unused substitute in that game but has continued to train with the first team this week in preparation for tonight’s game.

If the 30-year-old returns to the starting XI it may mean Leander Dendoncker drops to the bench, unless he returns to his more natural midfield position in replace of either Ruben Neves or Joao Moutinho.

Nelson Semedo will likely move further back to right-wing-back, meaning Ki-Jana Hoever could lose his place in the side as a striker – either Willian Jose or Fabio Silva – is expected to come back to join Pedro Neto and Adama Traore in attack.

Daniel Podence and Fernando Marcal are still expected to miss out with injury.

Meanwhile, Nuno has been shortlisted for the manager of the month award for February.

The 47-year-old guided his side to three wins and two draws over the course of the month in the top flight.

Wins over Arsenal, Southampton and Leeds helped Wolves climb the table, with draws against Leicester and Newcastle ensuring the side went unbeaten in the league over the month.

Nuno is joined by Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel and Scott Parker in the running for the honour.

The manager, however, was keen to dedicate the nomination to the work his team.

“It is the reflection of fantastic work by the players during the month of February,” Nuno said. They have been able to react to not such a good moment and commit ourselves to good performances.

“This shortlist is not me, it’s us. We are the shortlist of the month of February.”

Alongside the manager, Neves has been shortlisted for the player of the month award for February.

The midfielder is up against Raphinha, Jesse Lingard, Ilkay Gundogan, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Cancelo, Harvey Barnes and Joachim Andersen for the award.

He was integral to the side’s success last month, scoring three goals and assisting once.

“It is the same example, Ruben has been able to improve his performance because the team has improved also,” Nuno added. “All individual situations come after the evolution and progression of the team.”