ASTON VILLA v SOUTHAMPTON

AFTER picking up three points from 27, Aston Villa have won three and drawn one of their last four matches - a turnaround sparked by their 2-1 win over Darlington in the third round of the FA Cup.

They look to continue their run against a Southampton side they beat 4-0 in the Worthington Cup in December. Although Villa have had no trouble netting in cup competitions, they have scored only one goal per game in the league, compared to the Saints` 1.2 per match.

Villa are more accurate passers than Southampton, helping the team respond to the loss of leading scorer Dion Dublin. Goals have started to come from throughout the side recently, while for the Saints Kevin Davies has scored three of the paltry four goals they have mustered in their last seven outings.

Southampton are the least effective tacklers in the Premiership, so it will be hard for them to stem the home attack as they did when they won 1-0 at Villa Park in November. And while the Villa defence continues to hold firm it is difficult to see the Saints gaining revenge for their earlier cup exit.

Villa midfielder Ian Taylor is likely to return to the fold after missing his side`s defeat against Leeds through suspension.

Taylor, who has scored in each of his last four games, is expected to replace Steve Stone.

Lee Hendry is back in the Villa squad after missing six games with an ankle injury.

Saints manager Dave Jones has several injury worries for the trip to Villa with central defenders Claus Lundekvam and Dean Richards both struggling.

Matthew Le Tissier and Matthew Oakley are already ruled out by injury and Stuart Ripley is also a major doubt after he was sent home from training in midweek with flu.