Aston Villa suffered their first loss of the Premier League season on matchday 5. The Villains lost to Leeds United at home 3-0.
The loss took Aston Villa back down to Earth after a great start to the campaign. Now, Dean Smith’s team welcome an in-form Southampton to Villa Park on Sunday.
Southampton are seventh in the league heading into matchday 7. They have taken 10 points from 18 possible and sit just three points off of Premier League leaders Everton and Liverpool.
Ralph Hassenhuttl’s team are on a four-game unbeaten run and will fancy their chances at Villa Park after last week’s 2-0 home win versus Everton.
Southampton won both games last season versus Aston Villa, outscoring the Villains 5-1. This season’s Aston Villa are a far different side, however.
Aston Villa have collected two wins from three at home, outscoring opponents 8-5. Seven of those goals came against Liverpool.
The last two matches played a Villa Park between Aston Villa and Southampton finished with over 2.5 goals scored and both sides finding the back of the net. The Saints won both matches.
Smith has a relatively fit squad for the game. No new injuries have been reported although long-term absentee Wesley and Tom Heaton are ruled out along with Kortney Hause.
Hassenhuttl will have winger Theo Walcott back in the team for the weekend. Walcott was unable to play versus Everton due to being on loan at Southampton from the Merseyside team.
William Smallbone and Moussa Djenepo are both ruled out through their respective injuries. Meanwhile, Mohammed Salisu is unlikely to play due to fitness issues.
Southampton have taken four points from nine on the road this season. Their last away result was a shock come from behind 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Southampton have posted a zero-goal difference on their travels with four goals scored and four conceded.
The Villains have overachieved in the points department after five games. They have an expected point total of 8.23 and an actual total of 12.0.
Smith’s team have played well and are good enough to keep collecting points this weekend versus Southampton.
Aston Villa should end their winless run against Southampton at home as both teams find the back of the net. Three of Aston Villa’s last four games ended with over 2.5 goals scored, so expect the two sides to tickle the nylon nets. The Villains should claim a narrow win, outlasting Southampton at home.