James Chester and Dave Edwards will go from friends to enemies following their international break with Wales.
Relationships in football can change very quickly dependent on transfers, fixtures and the players themselves. For example, James Chester and Dave Edwards have spent the better part of a fortnight together with the Welsh national team as they try to guide their side to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. However, now their attentions must switch back to club football as their respective teams Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers prepare to do battle. As reported by Express & Star, the two have spoken about the transition from friends to foes.
General view of Villa Park
The derby clash between the two sides is vital, and will likely be the first game in charge for Aston Villa’s new manager. Neither team can avoid a slip up following inconsistent starts to the season, and both Edwards and Chester are well aware of that.
“You always play against people you know, it’s easier than you think to switch off,” says Edwards. “It’s going to be a full-blooded game – and I would rather have 4,000 Wolves fans behind me than worry about having to keep James happy!”
Chester agrees, adding: “Football is a small circle and you are always coming up against friends. Once the whistle goes the most important thing is you do the best for the club you are playing at.
David Edwards scores the first goal for Wolves
“There is no more important time for us to get a positive result. As much as I like Dave, certainly I’ll be going all out to make sure it is us who are taking the three points.”
The game on Saturday will mark the first time in over four years that the two Midlands rivals have faced off in the league, and the stakes are high as both aim to avoid a season of underachievement.
Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle in action with Aston Villa’s James Chester
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