Southampton vs Aston Villa Prediction & Betting Tips - Premier League

Prediction published on 18/02/2020, 13:58  by James | Modified on 18/02/2020 at 14:58 in Premier League Predictions

The Saturday clash at St. Mary's sees two sides looking to end losing streaks clash when Southampton host Aston Villa. The Saints, 12th in the table, are six points ahead of the visitors, who are one point above the relegation zone in 17th place. Both teams have to address faltering form with each losing their last two Premier League matches. Southampton have enjoyed a revival under Ralph Hasenhuttl that could yet see them challenge for the European places. The fifth-best performing away team in the top flight, it is the home results of Southampton which have been holding them back. They have the worst home record in the division, which is of little surprise when one considers that their 9-0 defeat to Leicester last October came at St. Mary's. Having failed to win four of their last five home games in the league, Southampton cannot continue to rely on their away form to keep them up.

In more immediate danger of going down, Villa have been heavily dependent on the talents of Jack Grealish to earn points. The attacking midfielder could be off in the summer but he would love to help Villa secure another season in the top flight before moving on. He's doing his bit with three goals and three assists in his last ten matches. Yet, scoring goals isn't the problem for Villa, it's keeping them out that is the real difficulty. No team has conceded more goals in the 26 games that have been played so far than Villa (50). They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven matches and have conceded in all 13 of their away games in the league. With Danny Ings in red-hot form (five goals in his last ten matches), it's hard not to see Villa conceding. While they may score themselves, Villa cannot be relied upon to win with such a leaky defence. Back Southampton to win and both teams to score.