Aston Villa face questions after Wolves loss, Palace move nears for Guessand
Villa explore new revenue via North Stand redevelopment, potential Villa Park naming rights and ‘The Warehouse’ sponsorship. Moves aim to ease PSR strains and boost matchday and commercial income in B6.
Wolves’ Tolu Arokodare says he jokes with Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana, calling him ‘André’. He featured off the bench in Wolves’ 2-0 win and wishes his Belgian friends, including Onana, World Cup luck.
Arteta hails ex-Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck as ‘top’ and a complete No 9. Welbeck left on a free when Unai Emery declined a new deal and later excelled at Brighton, who face Arsenal next.
Villa lose 2-0 at Wolves as João Gomes and Rodrigo Gomes score. Emery’s team look toothless despite 61% possession, create little, Konsa clashes with fans. Big tests vs Chelsea and Man United loom.
Villa hold initial talks to sign Fulham winger Harry Wilson on a free. The 28-year-old has 9 goals and 6 assists this season and could replace Donyell Malen. Leeds and Everton also show interest amid PSR pressures.
Guessand’s Palace loan has a £28m obligation if he hits eight goal involvements. He has 3 in 6 so needs five more. A £28.5m option exists regardless, with a four-year deal already agreed.
Unai Emery insists Villa ‘need both strikers’ as Chelsea visit. Watkins is favoured but Abraham, who scored in his last two Villa Park outings, pushes to start. Emery accepts responsibility for chance creation.
Mings, 32, has missed 17 games and won only 52% of duels, his lowest for Villa, though he posts 89% passing and 4.5 clearances per game. Leadership remains valued but on-pitch impact is waning.
Roma’s obligation to buy Donyell Malen is set to be triggered, leaving Villa to bank a profit of over €25m from the 2024 €23m deal. Juventus interest unlikely to affect the move as Malen starts and scores regularly.
Predicted line-ups and FPL team news for Aston Villa vs Chelsea at Villa Park, 19:30 GMT on 4 March, with recent form and xGI standouts highlighted.
