Aston Villa will be back in Premier League action on Saturday when they welcome Southampton to Villa Park.
The Villans ended their two-game losing run last weekend by beating Brighton 2-0 away. Goals for Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins gave the Lions a much-needed victory, thus, easing some pressure off Steven Gerrard’s shoulders.
However, Gerrard and co. can expect a stellar test against an in-form Southampton side, who are ninth in the table and have won their last two league games.
Bertrand Traore (hamstring) is a doubt for the weekend clash with Southampton, with Marvelous Nakamba (knee) a long-term casualty for Aston Villa.
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez is Aston Villa’s first-choice goalkeeper and he is a certainty to start against Southampton.
Defence
Martinez will be the last line of the Villa defence behind the quartet of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Lucas Digne who will expect to retain their places in the Aston Villa lineup.
The Aston Villa backline will be in for a tough challenge against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s preferred front two in Armando Broja and Che Adams.
Both Cash and Digne will have the freedom to maraud forward to offer width and attacking support with overlapping runs. If the two full-backs provide enough attacking impetus while staying defensively sound, the Saints might find it difficult to breach the home side’s rearguard at Villa Park.
Midfield
Douglas Luiz is a crucial cog in Villa’s midfield, with the Brazilian’s passing and ball-winning traits helping his side tick over. He will occupy his usual position in deeper midfield in the Aston Villa lineup, allowing John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey to bomb forward and make contributions in the final third.
The Villans’ well-oiled midfield three will look to dominate possession and disrupt Southampton’s passing lanes. If they can succeed in doing so, Gerrard’s side will have a better chance of winning the weekend fixture.
Attack
Philippe Coutinho has been a breath of fresh air for Aston Villa, adding a punch of flair and creativity to the side following his arrival in January. The Brazilian should occupy his favoured no.10 position in the Aston Villa lineup and will be tasked with providing the forward line with ample service.
Ollie Watkins will lead the Villa attack up front alongside Danny Ings. The front-duo will look to complement each other, with Watkins being a nuisance with his hold-up play and Ings adept at running in behind the Southampton backline.
If both Ings and Watkins work well in tandem, along with Coutinho providing support in attack, Villa could cause all kinds of problems to Hasenhuttl’s side.
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