Wolves' Dave Edwards and Aston Villa's James Chester: From friends to foes

Not that the quick switch from friend to foe is causing either much of a concern.

"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.

"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."

Both men knoe there will be no room for anything less than full concentration for a derby clash which has a marked significance for both teams. The rivals' first league meeting at Villa Park since August 2012 sees both in need of a positive result, if for slightly different reasons.

Villa will be eager to make a strong start under a new manager, while Wolves are eager a run of two straight defeats is not extended and risk any further scrutiny falling on their own head coach, Walter Zenga.

"Personally, I think this is a good game for us, coming off the back of two defeats," said Edwards. "The season has been so-so for us so far and not really taken off like we might have hoped.

"The manager has brought in new tactics and it is a lot of work to get the message across. I feel like we are finally getting there now and we just need to find that consistency.

"We have threatened to go on runs but have lost at vital times. With a derby game on Saturday there is no better way to get three points and start pushing toward the play-offs."

Villa will kick-off five points behind their neighbours in 19th position, their record of just one win from the opening 11 games proving fatal for Roberto Di Matteo, who was axed as manager after just four months in charge.

Chester said: "We are all desperate for the victory we need to kick-start the season. We have huffed and puffed and, barring Preston last time out, I don't think we have performed too badly.

"There are games when we have not quite got over the line in terms of the victories we've needed. A local derby is just what we need to get the season going. Hopefully it will be a big attendance and if we can give the fans something to cheer about it will be a good day at Villa Park."