Ex-Wolves hero Matt Murray assesses Aston Villa and Saturday’s meeting

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The former Wolves goalkeeper believes Steve Bruce’s appointment is a big blow to the visitors’ chances at Villa Park.

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Matt Murray has told Ladbrokes that Aston Villa still see themselves as the biggest club in the Midlands, and suggested that the appointment of Steve Bruce is a big blow to his old side’s chances on Saturday.

Villa host Wolves at Villa Park in Bruce’s first game in charge in Saturday’s evening kick-off, with both sides enduring their own struggles so far this season.

Wolves are suffering from serious inconsistency. They have won four, drawn three, and lost four of their 11 Championship games so far this season and have won just two of their last seven.

That pales in comparison to Villa, however, who have just a single victory from their 11 fixtures and currently sit in 19th in the table.

However, Murray says that despite their struggles, Villa still see themselves as the biggest club in the Midlands, and the former goalkeeper fears that the fact that Saturday is Bruce’s first game in charge will work against his old team.

Murray told Ladbrokes: “I think this is still a massive game. I think that all Midlands teams think that Villa see themselves as the biggest club as they had been in the Premier League for all those years.

“I’m expecting a full house, especially now Bruce is in charge! It will be a great atmosphere, I’m sure, and Villa spirits will be high. But I’m still expecting this one to be a close game.

“Bruce coming in is definitely a blow from a Wolves point of view as the whole place [Villa Park] will have had a lift. He’s a great man-manager, he knows the league well so I’m sure he’ll get a reaction.

“I would be delighted if Wolves got a point, as this is a very strong Villa side that can still make the play-offs in my opinion. A win would be unreal! I could never go against Wolves though, so I’ll sit on the fence and say 1-1!”

While Wolves will want to get back to winning ways after back-to-back defeats, as well as getting one over on Villa, Bruce and his side will likely feel that only a victory will do on Saturday to get the new manager’s era off to the perfect start.