England Premier League
Saturday 5th March 2022
Kick off at 3pm GMT
Venue: Villa Park
Match Preview:
Aston Villa won their first game in three as they beat Brighton away from home in their last match and it was a huge win for Steven Gerrard’s team. Villa did look safe this season but their form had become a moment of worry and those three points which now take the club onto 30 should assure Villa of their survival this season especially as they have another 13 games left to play.
Villa are only three points from a top 10 finish and that would be a great achievement for Gerrard’s side compared to when he first was given the job after Dean Smith’s dismissal. However the club have only won 11 points from their last 10 games so next season there will be plenty of work to do for Gerrard.
Southampton are in 9th place with 35 points but have played a game more than Villa so lose this one and the home side could well reel them in within a couple of weeks. The Saints have been one of the most in form sides in the league and it’s almost 2 months since they lost a league game. Their last match finished in a routine 2-0 victory over Norwich and they come into this one having won their last two.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are full of confidence and that was underlined as they knocked out West Ham in the FA Cup beating the Londoners 3-1 at home. The Saints are now in the quarter finals and will be hoping that they can have a strong finish to the season. Away form is good with 8 points won from their last 5 games although overall away form has seen the club win just 3 games and lose almost 50% of matches.
Team News:
Aston Villa: Bertrand Traore is 50/50 to return from his hamstring injury. Marvelous Nakamba still has a knee injury but could be expected back in two weeks.
Southampton: Mohammed Elyounoussi has a heel injury but is being tipped to return for this game although he will need to be assessed. Shane Long will also be assessed as he is carrying a knock. Mohammed Salisu and Kyle Walker-Peters could both be assessed as they have reportedly recovered from their hamstring injuries. Alex McCarthy and Lyanco are out long term.
Aston Villa vs Southampton Head to Head:
Last season these two teams were involved in a 7 goal classic that finished 4-3 to Southampton.
Earlier in the season in the reverse fixture the Saints managed a 1-0 victory.
In the last 11 meetings Aston Villa has managed just 1 victory.
There is a 70% chance to see both teams to score.
Aston Villa vs Southampton Prediction:
The form would say to back Southampton and not just that but even the recent history too. But playing away in the Premier League is not easy even if the Saints have improved. We also have to look into fatigue and some of the larger squad of the Saints have been feeling that lately.
One key issue is that Villa, who were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United in the third round didn’t have to play in midweek, while Southampton did. Not only that but the Saints had to play a game in fifth gear so to speak given that their cup match was against another Premier League side in West Ham. We have to respect what Southampton have achieved in the last six weeks but we think Villa may grow as this game goes on and will back the home side at good odds.
Aston Villa vs Southampton Betting Tips:
Asian handicap (0.0 Aston Villa) at 1.70
Anytime goalscorer: Ollie Watkins at 3.25
Correct Score: Aston Villa to win 2-1 or 3-1 at 10.00 and 19.00
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