Southampton vs Aston Villa Preview: Can Saints push back up the table?

Southampton host Aston Villa as they look to reignite a push up the league table.

Saints have made a creditable start to the campaign having not only fought the elite for a top four spot, but briefly top the Premier League for the first time in their history.

SFC’s form has waned in recent weeks having only won one in seven league games. This came against defending champions Liverpool.

An extensive injury list has seen the south coast side severely lacking options. This issue has only been exacerbated by the long run of games Southampton has had to play in a relatively short space of time.

Aston Villa meanwhile, have also had a solid start to the season and currently sit one place above their hosts in 10th. A victory for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men would see them leapfrog the visitors and could go as high as eighth. This would however require a Sunderland level thrashing.

Saints and Villa are chasing Europe this season

The EPL form book has the two sides very evenly matched. Not surprising given that they are only separated by goal difference.

Both have only one win in their last five. Southampton defeated Liverpool, while the villains dispensed with Newcastle 2-0.

Saints have at least picked up more wins in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury and Arsenal respectively. The Hampshire outfit have the psychological advantage, having already bested their opponents 4-3 at Villa Park.

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James Ward Prowse scored two sensational free kicks while Danny Ings got himself on the score sheet. Aston Villa will be relieved that they won’t have to deal with Jannik Vestergaard.

The Dane netted on that day, but finds himself sidelined with an injury. The centre back is not expected to make an appearance until at least the clash with Manchester United.

According to the Premier League official website, both Oriol Romeu and Moussa Djenepo are once again available for selection. Ryan Bertrand is also set to make a return after serving a one match suspension.

Kyle Walker Peters is still not fit to play.

The Premier League also reports that Villa boss Dean Smith has declared no “fresh injury concerns”.

How Southampton Will Win

Southampton’s high-energy displays have paid dividends this season. If Aston Villa cannot handle the high press then they will likely lose the ball in high-pressure areas.

Despite the injury list the first team still looks a strong package. Danny Ings is still a real threat up front while James Ward Prowse’s pinpoint accuracy is always likely to cause trouble.

How Aston Villa Will Win

Although Southampton have already taken three points from the travellers this does not mean that they will be pushovers this time around.

Aston Villa have a superior goal difference and with personnel like Jack Grealish they are always a threat. If Southampton come into the game tired Villa can and will exploit them.

Score prediction: 1-1