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