After a week’s absence, the Premier League returns this Friday, with Aston Villa hosting Southampton at Villa Park.
Venue: Villa Park (Birmingham)
Key Statistics
Aston Villa have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six home games.
The hosts have won just one of their opening six EPL games this season (D1, L4).
They have won just one of their last six home league games (D2, L2).
Southampton have conceded first in a league-high five PL games this term.
The visitors have recorded a single victory across their last ten PL away games (D3, L6).
They have not kept a clean sheet in their last 12 EPL games.
Head to head
In 40 Premier League meetings between both sides, Aston Villa have 15 wins while Southampton have 16 wins.
Latest performances in all competitions
Aston Villa: D-L-L-W-L
Southampton: L-W-L-W-W
Aston Villa
Aston Villa will look to get just their second win of the season when they welcome Southampton to Birmingham this Friday.
The hosts were on a very poor run of form just before the hiatus that resulted from the death of the Queen. They were due to play Leicester City away from home last week, but last weekend’s PL fixtures were postponed as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
But after a week’s absence, they return to Villa Park, where they last played when they held reigning PL champions Manchester City, to a 1-1 draw. That was a crucial result after three consecutive league defeats, relieving some pressure from manager Steven Gerrard.
And so a win here would see them climb away from the relegation zone–something Gerrard will be very happy to see to further buy him some time in the dugout.
However, his side hasn’t won at home since PL matchday two (D1, L1), and with no clean sheet in six home league fixtures (W1, D3, L2), their defence has been causing Gerrard and his management team plenty of headaches. The injury to summer signing Diego Carlos hasn’t helped issues too and the manager will have to find a way to contain a Southampton side that they managed to beat for the first time in seven head-to-heads last season (D2, L4) when they defeated them 4-0.
Possible Aston Villa starting line-up
Emi Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne; John McGinn, Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara; Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey.
Injured: Diego Carlos
Doubtful: Leander Dendoncker
Suspended: None
Southampton
For Southampton, it will be two consecutive away games after their home game against Brentford was postponed last week in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Saints were narrowly beaten by Wolves in their last league action; a first-half goal from Daniel Podence made the difference and condemned Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side to their third loss of the season.
While the loss was narrow, the visitors only managed to register one single shot on target against Wolverhampton Wanderers. And so, realistically, they might not be able to threaten a suspect Villa defence that has conceded ten goals this season.
Their poor form on their road trips is also a cause for concern, with just a single victory recorded across their last ten PL away games (D3, L6). Perhaps an early start to the action could suit Southampton though, as they’re unbeaten in five PL matches held on a Friday (W4, D1), including a 3-0 win over Norwich City the last time they featured in one as the away side.
Possible Southampton starting line-up
Gavin Bazunu; Kyle Walker-Peters, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Jan Bednarek, Mohammed Salisu, Moussa Djenepo; James Ward-Prowse, Sekou Mara, Joe Aribo; Mohamed Elyounoussi, Che Adams.
Injured: Valentino Livramento, Romeo Lavia
Doubtful: Duje Caleta-Car
Suspended: None
Prediction
Aston Villa 2-1 Southampton