Aston Villa FC vs Southampton FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Aston Villa FC vs Southampton FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Emery’s men have been on both the winning and losing side of the league within a matter of 4 days. It all started with Villa being unable to deal with the combination of Enzo Fernandez, Nikolas Jackson and Cole Palmer running riot at Stamford Bridge. Things then went from bad to worse when FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year, Emiliano Martinez sustained an injury. Good teams put these woes aside and carry on their campaign. That is exactly what Villa did against high-scoring Brentford. 

They ended a run of 8 successive games without victory by beating the Bees 3-1 at home. The last team they beat was Fulham at Craven Cottage on 19th October. Nobody expected Emery’s men to slump to such an extent after having the brightest start, especially beating Bayern Munich. But balancing domestic duty with European commitments isn’t easy, especially for a team that lacks experience. Ollie Watkins' 36th goal, is just one shy of club record holder Dwight Yorke’s tally of 37 goals. History can be made on Saturday, especially knowing Southampton have conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season (30).

Who will follow marching orders after Ten Hag’s exit? Will it be Julen Lopetegui, Gary O’Neil or Southampton’s Russel Martin. Pressure has been mounting on the Englishman who is still searching for his second victory of the season and whose goal difference is -19. Football can be unforgiving especially on Friday night when the Saints’ were hard done by VAR against Brighton at the Amex. Luck plays a critical factor in sport. 

Not so much for Southampton. Martin’s men were brushed aside by a lethal Chelsea as five different blues’ players got on the scoresheet. Captain Jack Stephens did not lead from the front as he was sent off for pulling Cucurella’s hair. To already make matters worse, Southampton were playing without three of their main eleven players because of suspensions. Chaos has ensued at St.Mary’s and it’s small things that are backfiring against them. Patience and persistence can be the only answer to their problems. 

Head to Head Record - Both teams have played each other 71 times. Villa have won 26 games. Southampton have won 27, while 18 games have ended in a draw.

Current Standings - Aston Villa are 7th with 22 points. They take on a sorry Saints’ side that is languishing at the very bottom of the table with 5 points. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Aston Villa FC Preview

Aston Villa have won their last three Premier League games against Southampton (all without conceding), more than they had in their previous 13 against them (W2 D3 L8). Considering Southampton’s current predicament they may just make that four. Aston Villa are unbeaten in all 11 of their Premier League games against promoted sides under Unai Emery (W9 D2), winning five of their six at home under the Spaniard (D1). 

The midlanders have also won five of their last eight Premier League matches against sides starting the day bottom of the league (D2 L1), though their one defeat in this run was at Villa Park, losing 1-0 to West Ham United in August 2022. Villa park has proved its worth as a fortress, as they’ve won the last six home Premier League matches (W3 D3) and have scored 85 goals in 39 home games under Unai Emery, the fourth-most home goals since Emery’s first game in charge at Villa Park in November 2022.

Watkins Time to Shine

Ollie Watkins has scored five goals in his last six home Premier League appearances and has 36 goals overall at Villa Park – the only Aston Villa player with more home goals than Watkins is Dwight Yorke (37). Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been involved in 10 goals in his last five Premier League appearances against promoted clubs, scoring four and assisting six.

Injury - Onana and Ramsey are sidelined for this one. 

Aston Villa Probable Starting 7 - Martinez (GK), Cash, Konsa, Digne, Torres (DEF), Kamara, Tielemans, Philogene, Rogers, McGinn (MID), Watkins (FWD).

Southampton FC Preview

Having been unbeaten in six consecutive away league games against Aston Villa between 2013 and 2020, Southampton have lost their last two visits by an aggregate score of 5-0. Southampton are winless in their last 14 Premier League away games (D3 L11), since a 1-0 win at Chelsea in February 2023. Indeed, no side has won fewer points on the road in the top-flight this term than Saints (1). 

Russell Martin has real work to do, not just away, but at home as well. December can be a testing period, make or break for some clubs. The goals have dried up for the Englishman. Southampton are the only side yet to score a first half away goal in the Premier League this season – the Saints have also had the fewest shots (29) and fewest shots on target (5) in the first 45 minutes of away games of any side this campaign.

Player to watch out for

Adam Armstrong scored in his first ever away Premier League appearance for Southampton in August 2021 against Everton but has since gone 32 away games without scoring, having 51 shots with an expected goals total of 4.7 without finding the net across these matches.

Injury - Gavin Bazunu, Stewart, Smalbone, Ramsdale, Lallana, Onuachu and Larios are all ruled out. 

Southampton Probable Starting Lineup - Lumley (GK), Wood, Hardwood-Bellis, Bree, Walker-Peters, Manning (DEF), Downes, Fernandes, Dibling, Armstrong (MID), Archer (FWD)

ASTON VILLA FC vs SOUTHAMPTON FC
Winning Prediction

Southampton have had the least amount of luck this season in the Premier League. One thing for certain is that they bring a fighting spirit everytime they take the field. Martin needs to urge his men on because there’s still a long way to go. Unai Emery finally tasted victory against Brentford and will want his team to produce more results. 

Ollie Watkins is a goal away from a record. Southampton have too many players exiting through injury and suspension, adding a hint of inconsistency within the squad. Aston Villa will want to play direct and grab all three points before they make a trip to Germany in their next Champions League outing. Goals will be guaranteed, but an upset is very unlikely. 

Aston Villa to Win (1-3)

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