Predicted Southampton lineup vs Aston Villa - One step forward, two steps back

This afternoon, Southampton come up against Aston Villa away from home in the Premier League. Russell Martin will be eager to steer Southampton back on the right path after the shambles against Chelsea but unfortunately, his selection woes will only continue.

Against Chelsea, the Saints were without Flynn Downes, Tyler Dibling and Taylor Harwood-Bellis through suspension. This was on top of their growing injury pile. All three players are available against Aston Villa again, however, Jack Stephens made himself unavailable through a reckless red card.

So, with the team news in mind, here is our predicted Southampton lineup vs Aston Villa.

Predicted Southampton lineup vs Aston Villa

GK - Joe Lumley. Didn't cover himself in glory in midweek by conceding five but they were a result of defensive mistakes. He is a better option than McCarthy, so he'll keep his spot.

CB - Nathan Wood. A player who Martin knows well and clearly trusts. He made his full Premier League debut for Southampton in midweek and he will start again with Stephens suspended.

CB - Kyle Walker-Peters. He can interchange with either wing-back whenever necessary, in a tactical setup which benefits Russell Martin.

CB - Taylor Harwood-Bellis. To say he was missed against Chelsea would be an understatement. Let's hope the centre-back goes this match without seeing any cards... or goals conceded.

RWB - Yukinari Sugawara. Didn't start against Chelsea but he came off the bench. If anything, this is an indication he is match sharp to play this match against Aston Villa.

CM - Flynn Downes. Back from suspension, so it's only fair he kick-starts the strongest Southampton midfield. He will be eager to continue where he left off, after scoring against Brighton before his suspension.

CM - Mateus Fernandes. Played every match for Southampton since the international break. However, he'd better get used to it - He's in for a busy festive period, after all.

CM - Joe Aribo. Southampton's best player against Chelsea by a country mile. The result could've been a lot worse it it wasn't for Aribo.

LWB - Ryan Manning. Played the entire match against Southampton. Out of him and Fraser, it will be Manning who gets the nod from the start.

ST - Adam Armstrong. Dropped deeper than he would've liked against Chelsea, especially after the red card. Let's hope he sees some chances against Villa.

ST - Cameron Archer. Had a quiet game against Chelsea. Hardly surprising given how the game panned out, though.

Predicted Southampton lineup vs Aston Villa: Lumley; Wood, Harwood-Bellis, Walker-Peters; Sugawara, Downes, Aribo, Fernandes, Manning; Archer, Armstrong

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