Aston Villa vs Southampton predictions: Villans to prosper at Villa Park
- Aston Villa are only four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City
- Southampton remain bottom of the Premier League
- Recommended bet: Aston Villa to win and BTTS
Aston Villa will look to build on Wednesday's 3-1 win over Brentford when they host strugglers Southampton at Villa Park on Wednesday.
The Villans had gone eight games without a win in all competitions under Unai Emery before Wednesday's success, while Southampton come into the game on the back of a 5-1 defeat to Chelsea.
Team News
Emery is still without midfielder Jacob Ramsey for another week or so due to a hamstring problem, while fellow playmaker Amadou Onana is still a doubt as he recovers his fitness.
The former Arsenal boss may tweak his starting XI due to the recent fixture congestion, with the likes of Jhon Duran, Ross Barkley, and Emiliano Buendia all hoping to get the nod.
Southampton's Jack Stephens is suspended after his straight red card against Chelsea, while Gavin Bazunu remains a long-term absentee due to an Achilles injury.
Adam Lallana and Aaron Ramsdale are not expected to return for a few weeks, while Paul Onuachu, Jan Bednarek, Will Smallbone and Ross Stewart are all considered doubtful to feature against the Villans.
The stats
Aston Villa have only won one of their previous nine games in all competitions, but that did come against the Bees last time out.
However, Emery's side are unbeaten in six home games in the Premier League, and they have only lost once at Villa Park in the league since March.
Villa have struggled to keep teams at bay all season in the league, keeping just one clean sheet in 14 games.
Southampton are winless in four Premier League matches, while they have only collected one point on their travels this season. Despite the Saints' struggles, Russell Martin's team have scored in four of their seven away matches.
Prediction
Aston Villa have not been able to repeat last season's success so far under Emery, but that was always going to be a struggle due to their extra fixtures, having qualified for the Champions League.
Wednesday's win over Brentford will have given everyone within the club a huge lift, and with Ollie Watkins back amongst the goals, Villa should prosper.
Watkins has scored twice in four games in all competitions, and Emery has a wealth of options at his disposal in attack to support the England international.
Southampton's away from suggests they will once again struggle, but with Villa vulnerable at the back, expect the visitors to find the net on their way to another defeat.
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