Aston Villa welcome Southampton to Villa Park in a midtable Premier League clash.
Victory could see Villa improve to as high as 10th in the table, whereas Southampton will stay ninth with a win.
Team News
Bertrand Traore could return for Aston Villa if he recovers from a hamstring injury which has kept him out in recent weeks, following his return from Africa Cup of Nations.
Marvelous Nakamba (knee) remains absent.
Southampton could be without Shane Long after he was substituted at half-time in Wednesday’s FA Cup win over West Ham.
Mohamed Salisu, Kyle Walker-Peters (both hamstring) and Mohamed Elyounoussi (heel) are also doubtful for this match, with manager – Ralph Hasenhuttl set to recall several players after their midweek win. .
Alex McCarthy (thigh), Nathan Tella (groin) and Lyanco (hamstring) are still ruled out.
Stat Attack
- Aston Villa have claimed just four points from their last seven meetings against Southampton (W1, D1, L5).
- Southampton are unbeaten in their last six visits to Villa Park (W4, D2).
- Danny Ings scored three goals in his two Southampton appearances at Villa Park against Villa before switching to the Villains last summer.
- Villa’s last five home goals have been scored in combination by Philippe Coutinho (2) and Jacob Ramsey (3).
- Che Adams has scored in three of his last four league appearances for Southampton.
Prediction
Having suffered a recent blip, Villa looked back to their clinical best in a well-worked win at Brighton because their defending was better, especially with their final touch back on form whilst Jacob Ramsey was a nightmare in his movement which Southampton need to be wary of.
Hasenhuttl’s Saints though have been in great form over the last two-and-a-half months and his midweek gamble of nine changes paid off handsomely, because they showed great confidence on the attack with excellent pressing which proved the difference.
This match though will likely be close because both teams do have the ability to cause issues for one another across the pitch, yet Southampton surely will have the edge if they play to the same standards of recent weeks but a draw wouldn’t be a bad result.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Southampton
Result: Aston Villa 4-0 Southampton
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