Nuno Espirito Santo believes Wolves have replaced Aston Villa as the kings of West Midlands football.
Wolves make the short trip to Villa Park chasing a Champions League spot in sixth place, while Villa are second from bottom, 22 points adrift of their neighbours.
Villa have long been seen as the region’s leading lights after having lifted the League, the European Cup and two League Cups since Wolves’ last major trophy in 1980.
But Nuno believes the balance of power has shifted.
“We’re talking about two huge clubs that have well represented the West Midlands for a long period of time,” said the head coach.
“History says it’s not a flat line – there’s ups and downs, like life.
“What I see from Wolves now is we’ve been able to regain that strength that the club had in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
“It’s harder now, it requires more, but we are very proud that once again, Wolves have become something everybody talks about, everybody sees and, more importantly for me, our fans enjoy. This is my obsession.”
Former Villa winger Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez have combined for 10 goals this season, more than any other pairing in the Premier League.
Traore has been linked with a £110m move to champions Liverpool while Jimenez is wanted by Real Madrid and Manchester United. His 24 goals are more than anyone else in the top flight.
“We are 100 per cent sure that we are happy here,” Nuno added.
“We are building something very special that is a very strong bond of unity.”
Jimenez said after Wednesday’s 1-0 win against AFC Bournemouth that Wolves can “dream big”.
Nuno said the Mexican can say what he likes because he “walks the walk”.
“Raul does it every minute of every day. So he can say whatever he wants.”
Football on TV this weekend
All kick-off times BST; asterisk indicates FA Cup fixture
Saturday 27 June
- 12.30pm: Aston Villa vs Wolves, BT Sport 1
- 12.30pm: Preston North End vs Cardiff, Sky Sports Main Event/Football
- 3pm: Leeds vs Fulham, Sky Sports Main Event/Football
- 5.30pm: Norwich vs Manchester United, BBC One*
Sunday 28 June
- 12pm: Bristol City vs Sheffield Wednesday, Sky Sports Main Event/Football
- 1pm: Sheffield United vs Arsenal, BT Sport 1*
- 2.15pm: Nottingham Forest vs Huddersfield, Sky Sports Main Event/Football
- 4pm: Leicester vs Chelsea, BT Sport 1*
- 4.30pm: Watford vs Southampton, Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League
- 6.30pm: Newcastle vs Manchester City, BBC One*
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/2A5c0fE
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