Premier League: Aston Villa v Southampton match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Villa Park

Paul Lambert pictured during Villa's defeat to Bradford (AP)

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert will be hoping for a positive reaction after their humiliating defeat to Bradford earlier this week as they host fellow strugglers Southampton. However, Villa go into this vital clash with just ten points in their last 11 league games.

The Villains, who are only one point away from the relegation zone, are without experienced players Darren Bent (knee) and Shay Given (hamstring) but defender Ron Vlaar (calf) could return to the starting line-up.

Southampton are on a good run of form with only two defeats in their last 10 league games, which is a striking comparison to their opening 10 matches where they suffered eight defeats. The Saints can take confidence in the fact they have won five of their last six meetings with fellow relegation strugglers and Nigel Adkins will be hoping for a similar performance to the reverse fixture in which they beat Villa 4-1 at St. Marys.

The Saints are without their captain Adam Lallana (knee) and Jose Fonte who has a similar injury. Emmanuel Mayuka is on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Zambia. Gaston Ramirez and Nathaniel Clyne both return.

KICK-OFF:Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Southampton 4 (Lambert 2, Clyne, Puncheon) Aston Villa 1, Premier League, September 2012

Southampton 2 (Phillips, Crouch) Aston Villa 3 (Cole, Solano, Davis), Premier League, April 2005

Aston Villa 2 (Vassell, Cole) Southampton 0, Premier League, August 2004

STATS…

Villa have won just five of their last 37 Premier League games, losing 17 in the process.

Lambert’s side have the leakiest defence in the league, conceding 41 goals this term.

Aston Villa have scored only one goal in their last five home matches, only QPR have scored as few as Lambert's side this season (17)

Southampton have no lost in their last three Premier League games, drawing three on the bounce.

Rickie Lambert has scored three goals in Southampton’s four last away fixtures.

Southampton beat Villa 4-1 earlier this term to record their first win of the season.

ODDS…

Aston Villa to win: 2.64

Southampton to win: 2.96

Draw: 3.5

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm