Southampton v Aston Villa: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this week’s Premier League fixture at St Mary’s

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert (GETTY IMAGES)

After a disappointing second-half performance against Chelsea at the weekend, Southampton will be looking to steer their season back on track as they welcome Aston Villa to the St Mary’s stadium.

Southampton had endured a good run of form at the start of the Premier League season, but after suffering successive losses to Arsenal and Chelsea, the Saints will be depending on their home form to overcome a stubborn Aston Villa side. Villa have had a mediocre season to date, after an astonishing opening day victory away at Arsenal, the club has only won three games on their travels since.

Southampton have won their last four games at home in the Premier League this season, but for Aston Villa, their form has been rather troublesome. Their failure to transfer draws into wins has cost them dearly, and despite sitting 11th in the Premier League table, they have only won once in their previous seven games, with five of these coming as draws.

For Southampton, Rickie Lambert will provide the main threat to the Southampton defence. Containing the movement of Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez and James Ward-Prowse behind the frontman will be pivotal for Aston Villa. The power and goals Christian Benteke will be crucial for Aston Villa. Although he hasn’t been hitting the same heights as he did at the start of the season, the Southampton defence will need to put in a defiant performance to keep the Belgian striker at bay. Benteke has scored four Premier League goals so far this season.

A win for Southampton could take them into the Champions League places. However, a loss for Aston Villa could see them being dragged ever closer to the relegation zone.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7.45pm

PAST MEETINGS…

Aston Villa 0 Southampton 1 (Lambert), Premier League, January 2013

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

STATS…

Southampton are unbeaten in their previous nine matches at home, winning the last five.

Aston Villa have won only one of their five away Premier League matches.

Southampton have recorded 22 wins in 69 games against Aston Villa (Villa winning 27 of them).

Southampton have conceded once in their previous five matches at home.

ODDS…

Southampton to win: 1.65

Aston Villa to win: 5.50

Draw: 3.75

TV: Highlights on BBC 1 on Match of the Day at 10.35pm