Southampton vs Aston Villa prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2023-01-20 15:00.
Fresh from a 2-1 Premier League (PL) victory at fellow-relegation threatened side Everton, Southampton ready themselves for the visit of Aston Villa. Their recent fortunes have contrasted with their position at the bottom of the league table ahead of this round, with their victory last weekend making it three wins in a row after two cup victories, and rounding off a "big, big weekââ according to new Southampton boss Nathan Jones.
Heâll hope to use the momentum to triumph in another crucial league contest, especially as the Saints currently sit one place lower (20th) than at the same stage of the 2004/05 campaign, when they eventually suffered their only PL relegation! One factor for their dire situation appears to be a tendency for false starts – particularly at St Maryâs – with no side conceding first in more PL home games (seven) so far.
Visitors Villa also won their last outing, beating Leeds 2-1 for their first home victory since early November. The similarities donât end there as the Villans are also enjoying a resurgence under new management, having won four of their six PL games under Unai Emery (D1, L1) which is more than they managed in their previous 17 league outings (W3, D5, L9) combined.
The boss was "so happyââ with the Leeds victory as it moved them into the comforts of mid-table ahead of this contest, though a growing injury list which includes defender Lucas Digne threatens to undo their impressive form. That means newly-signed Ălex Moreno could feature, and Villa fans will hope he can impress against a side theyâve lost four of the last six away H2H contests against (W1, D1).
Players to watch: Southamptonâs set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse scored his 16th PL direct free-kick as part of a brace against Everton – only David Beckham (18) has managed more. Heâll hope his defence has their eyes on Leon Bailey however, as the Villa marksmanâs last three PL goals have all arrived within eight minutes of kick-off!
Hot stat: PL games involving Aston Villa have witnessed a league-high 14 goals in the 0-15 minute period this season.