Southampton and Aston Villa kick start the Premier League weekend off when the pair meet on Friday evening.
Southampton’s decent little run continued as they recorded a 1-0 win away at Watford last time out.
Che Adams’ first goal of the season was the difference as the Saints opened up a four point advantage over the drop zone.
Aston Villa have lost their last four and were easily beaten at home by West Ham United last time out.
Ezri Konsa’s red card just after the break was the turning point; however the hosts were already 2-1 down at the time.
Premier League form: Southampton W2 D1 L2; Aston Villa W1 D0 L4
Premier League top scorers
Southampton – Armando Broja and James Ward-Prowse 2 goals each
Aston Villa – Danny Ings 3 goals
Match history
Both sides won the away fixture last term, with Villa earning a narrow 1-0 win at St.Mary’s.
Ross Barkley and Jack Grealish combined for the games only goal; however neither are at club this season.
Last five Premier League meetings
Southampton 0 Aston Villa 1 – 30/01/21
Aston Villa 3 Southampton 4 – 01/11/20
Southampton 2 Aston Villa 0 – 22/02/20
Aston Villa 1 Southampton 3 – 21/12/19
Aston Villa 2 Southampton 4 – 23/04/16
Team news
Armando Broja is back in training for the hosts; however he may have to make do with a spot on the bench.
Jack Stephens is a long term absentee, but Southampton should have the remainder of the squad available.
Konsa is suspended, which could see Tyrone Mings return to the XI after he was dropped last time out.
Danny Ings is a doubt having missed the defeat to West Ham, however Jacob Ramsey will likely miss out.
Expected starting XI’s
Southampton (4-4-2): McCarthy; Livramento, Bednarek, Salisu, Walker-Peters; Elyounossi, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Redmond; Armstrong, Adams
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Tuanzebe, Mings, Targett; Nakamba, McGinn; Traore, Buendia, Bailey; Watkins
Predictions
Result: Southampton
Southampton have lost just one of the last six meetings with Aston Villla
Correct Score: 1-0
There has been under 2.5 goals in the last three meetings between the two at the St. Marys.
Anytime Goalscorer: Che Adams
Having opened his account last weekend, Adams will be confident of building on the goal
