Aston Villa vs Southampton: Preview of a Massive Prem Six-Pointer

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on December 14, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on December 14, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /
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When Southampton meet Villa on Saturday, the winner of the match will be three points above the relegation zone and the loser.

The two clubs are currently only separated by goal difference and a draw does not really do anything for either team so we could be in store for a fun match between two sides with a lot on the line halfway through the season.

With a minimum of a three point cushion from the relegation for whoever comes out on top both sides will put their best foot forward.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Danny Ings of Southampton reacts during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and West Ham United at St Mary’s Stadium on December 14, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Danny Ings of Southampton reacts during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and West Ham United at St Mary’s Stadium on December 14, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /

How Aston Villa Will Win

Villa, like most squads, enjoy playing at home much better than they do on the road. 3 of their 4 wins have been at home and they have a 0 goal differential. They are lead by the likes of players like Tyrone Mings, John McGinn, and Jack Grealish who can all be dangerous at any given moment.

They will likely line-up in a 4-3-3 formation that allows them to get numbers behind the ball and make it tough for anyone to score.

As we all know, Southampton struggle mightily to break down a defense at times and if the Villa defense can hold their shape and get in front of shots they will have an easy go of it keeping the Saints out of the back of their net.

If Villa score first they can probably come away with the points

How Southampton Will Win

This is a massive match for Hasenhuttl and his men and a chance to possible revive the season. Moving a solid 3 points above the drop zone could give Saints the chance to relieve some of the pressure and maybe play better football.

What will be key to me will be who the Austrian decides to put out there. I have a feeling we may see a new starting XI as the last match against West Ham was so poor.

On the plus-side, Southampton are a rare team that are better on the road and they know they will have a good shot at 3 points. For Saints to win they will need to find the net more than once. They seem to have an aversion to clean sheets this season so 1 goal will simple not be enough to take home all 3 points.

I like the odds of a Che Adams goal this weekend.

Predicted Lineups

Aston Villa: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Tom Heaton

Defenders: Matt Targett, Kourtney Hause, Bjorn Engles, Frederic Guilbert

Midfielders: John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Trezeguet

Forwards: Jack Grealish, Wesley, Anwar El-Ghazi

Southampton: 4-2-2-2

Goalkeeper: Alex McCarthy

Defenders: Cedric, Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens, Ryan Bertrand

Holding Midfielders: James Ward-Prowse, Oriol Romeu

Attacking Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong, Sofiane Boufal

Strikers: Danny Ings, Che Adams

Predicted Score

Villa 1 – 2 Southampton