PAUL MERSON'S BRUTAL VERDICT: WOLVES CAN BREAK LOWEST PREMIER LEAGUE POINTS RECORD
Paul Merson delivers a brutal verdict on Wolves, predicting a comfortable 3-0 win for Aston Villa and suggesting they could break Derby's low-points record.
Wolves' chances of getting relegated are getting worse every week. With Aston Villa coming up, that could become even more likely—at least, that's what Paul Merson thinks.
This game is Rob Edwards’ first away match, and it's unclear how he'll turn the team around.
The team really lacks quality, and the stats show it. Wolves have only scored seven goals but have let in 27.
Fans might hope Edwards can inspire a win like Wolves' 3-2 victory against Villa in 2021, but right now, optimism is hard to come by.
And Paul Merson definitely isn’t helping.
Paul Merson doesn’t think Wolves have any chance against Aston Villa
If Rob Edwards was hoping for support before playing Aston Villa, he won't find it with Paul Merson.
The former Arsenal player turned commentator has shared his predictions for the weekend and gave Wolves a harsh review.
Wolves desperately need a win, having gone 12 Premier League games without one. If you include last season, that stretches to 16 games.
But, Paul Merson isn't convinced that their losing streak will end at Villa Park.
Wolves’ comeback win at Villa Park in 2021 was amazing. It was definitely one of the best Wolves moments since their promotion in 2018.
In his Sportskeeda column, Merson wrote, “I don’t think Wolves can win this weekend. It looks like Wolves might beat Derby County's record for the lowest points this season.”
“If you look at Wolves’ results, they lost to all three teams that were promoted. Their upcoming games don't look easy either. Before they know it, Wolves could be completely out of the relegation fight. I don’t think Wolves have a chance here; it seems too difficult for them. Villa will win easily.”
In the end, the commentator predicted a 3-0 win for Unai Emery’s team.
And if Rob Edwards wants any chance of winning, Wolves need to stop one of Aston Villa’s biggest strengths.
It’s a tough time to play Aston Villa. Wolves are playing at Villa Park at the worst possible time.
Villa is in great form, having won 18 of their last 21 possible points. They have climbed the table, going from 18th to fourth place.
Plus, any worries that playing in the Europa League would tire them out have been disproven by their results after those games.
Aston Villa have won all four of their Premier League games after playing in Europe that week.
Rob Edwards will need to do something really amazing this weekend.
HOW JAMES MADDISON’S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SIGNALS A SHOCK SEASON RETURN
James Maddison returns to individual training as Igor Tudor prepares Tottenham for a vital relegation battle with Forest.
Ahead of Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest, manager Igor Tudor gave an update on when James Maddison might return from injury. It’s a crucial moment for Spurs as they prepare to host Forest in what could be the defining 90 minutes of Tudor’s time at the club and quite possibly a key fixture that will shape the season for both teams.
Currently separated by just one point, Tottenham and Forest are locked in a battle against relegation. A win would push Spurs four points clear of the drop zone, while a loss might drag them into the bottom three. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
Tudor’s side heads into this game with renewed energy, surprisingly positive given the mood just two weeks ago. The draw at Anfield broke a six-game losing streak, and their recent 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, though not enough to overturn the aggregate score, brought back a sense of belief. Young players like Xavi Simons and Archie Gray impressed, while Mathys Tel kept the opposition on their toes. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric in a way fans haven’t felt for months. While the Champions League hopes are dashed, that performance has injected valuable momentum into Spurs’ survival fight.
There’s also some hopeful news on the injury front. Dominic Solanke, who missed the Atlético leg with a hip issue, might be available. His physical presence adds a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, which Tudor will surely be glad to have.
But the most promising update came from Tudor’s comments about Maddison. The creative midfielder, sidelined since August after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly, has begun some individual training, spotted alongside Palhinha. Recoveries from ACL injuries are never straightforward, and the team won’t rush him back. With only seven league games left after Sunday, there’s a narrow window for his return. Still, even the possibility of Maddison getting back on the pitch—someone who can change a game with a moment of skill or a precise pass—offers a much-needed morale boost.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Forest.
WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND EXPECT JADON SANCHO TO SIGN FOR FREE
Unai Emery praises Jadon Sancho despite poor stats, while Dortmund free up £21m in wages to lure him back to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund really want Jadon Sancho back, and they’re hoping to get him for free from Manchester United. Sancho’s contract runs out this summer, and honestly, no one expects United to offer him a new one.
Right now, Sancho’s on loan at Aston Villa. It’s his third spell away from Old Trafford since United signed him for £73 million in 2021. His move to Villa was just a loan with no option to buy.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has hinted he might keep Sancho, but Dortmund aren’t sitting around. The Times says Dortmund didn’t chase wingers last summer because Nico Kovac liked the 3-4-2-1 formation, but now the boss has changed his mind and wants Sancho back.
If Sancho comes back, he'll need to take a hefty pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary. Still, Dortmund’s where he made his name after moving from Manchester City in 2017.
Dortmund have room in the budget this summer; they let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan run out. That saves them about £21 million a year, and they’re optimistic they can lure Sancho, who’s allowed to strike pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Sancho actually spent half of the 2024 season back at Dortmund after Erik ten Hag froze him out at United. He helped them reach the Champions League final, but nothing permanent came of it.
Something similar happened during his loan to Chelsea last season. The club even paid a £5 million penalty just to avoid having to sign him outright. Villa picked him up right at the transfer deadline in September, but, once again, he’s struggled.
So far, Sancho’s got one goal and one assist in 29 games across all competitions. Still, Emery thinks there’s more to come.
When asked in February about signing Sancho for good, Emery said, “Not yet, but he’s a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by improving within our system, like he is doing.
“He’ll need a new contract; maybe it’s here. If he plays his best football, we’ll want him. But other teams will be interested, too.”
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