Aston Villa v Southampton: match preview

After gripping and ripping through their first four games, Aston Villa came up well short against Leeds despite having the upper hand in the first half. Dean Smith’s side created chances but failed to apply the finishing touch. A surprising development considering the hammering sent via Asgard that Liverpool received at Villa Park. Southampton are arguably an even tougher test than Leeds as Danny Ings will score if given the same room to attack in as Patrick Bamford and co. On the other side Jack Grealish will want to flash his considerable technical and creative abilities for Gareth Southgate’s perusal before England’s upcoming internationals. The quality in both sides easily makes this a contender for game of the weekend. Graham Searles

Sunday noon Sky Sports Box Office

Venue Villa Park

Last season Aston Villa 1 Southampton 3

Odds H 6-4 A 9-5 D 13-5

Referee Darren England

This season G1 Y2 R0 2 cards/game

ASTON VILLA

Subs from Kalinic, Steer, Taylor, Traoré, Nakamba, El Ghazi, Jota, Guilbert, Elmohamady, Hause, Davis, Ramsey, Chrisene, Hourihane, Wesley, Heaton, Engles

Doubtful None

Injured Heaton (knee, 21 Nov), Wesley (knee, Jan)

Suspended None

Discipline Y13 R0

Form WWWWL

Leading scorer Grealish 3

SOUTHAMPTON

Subs from Forster, Gunn, Valery, Vokins, Slattery, Tella, Obafemi, Jankewitz, Ferry, Stephens, Long, Walcott, Diallo

Doubtful None

Injured Salisu (match fitness, unknown), Smallbone (thigh, unknown), Djenepo (hamstring, unknown)

Suspended None

Discipline Y9 R0

Form LLWWDW

Leading scorer Ings 4