Aston Villa v Southampton preview: Jose Fonte fit for trip to Villa Park
Saturday 23 April 2016 16:15, UK
Southampton captain Jose Fonte has been passed fit to make the trip to face Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Portuguese defender was forced off with a head injury before half-time during their 1-1 draw at Everton last weekend, but has been cleared to play for Ronald Koeman's side at Villa Park.
Aston Villa will play at home for the first time since having their relegation confirmed, with caretaker boss Eric Black hoping to arrest a run of nine straight league defeats.
Southampton, meanwhile, will be hoping for a victory to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League next season alive. They currently sit eighth in the table, three points behind Liverpool in seventh. Although Jurgen Klopp's side have a game in hand.
Team news
Black has revealed Kieran Richardson and Ciaran Clark are both doubts for clash with Southampton. Both players are struggling with niggling injuries and will be assessed ahead of the game.
As well as Fonte, midfielder Victor Wanyama is also fit to face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.
Fonte (head) and Wanyama (ribs) were both taken to hospital following the draw with Everton but have passed fitness tests.
Charlie Austin and Florin Gardos (both knee) remain on the sidelines.
Opta stats
Aston Villa have won just one of their last seven Premier League matches against Southampton (D3 L3).
Last season, Sadio Mane scored the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history when they played against Aston Villa at St. Mary's (2m 56s).
Mane has scored three goals in his last four Premier League games for Southampton; this after a run of 19 league appearances without scoring.
There have been just seven goals scored in the last six Premier League meetings between Villa and Saints at Villa Park.
Shane Long has scored five goals in his last six Premier League appearances against Aston Villa.
In fact, Long has netted more goals (five) against Aston Villa than he has mustered against any other Premier League opponent.
Aston Villa have won just two of their last 18 Premier League home games (D4 L12) and lost the last five in a row. They have never lost six consecutively at home in their history.
In those last five matches at Villa Park, the already relegated club have scored just two goals and conceded 17.
Graziano Pelle has had a hand in seven goals in his last five Premier League appearances for Saints (four goals, three assists).
Aston Villa have spent a league-low 184 minutes in the lead in Premier League matches this season.
Merson's predictions
What score do you want? I can't see anything other than a Southampton win. I felt sorry for Joleon Lescott in the week because his comments about relegation being a relief were not meant like that. He meant the club could concentrate on bouncing back next season, so a lot of the criticism he received was unwarranted. Villa should give the kids a chance and see what they're like ahead of next season - see who can be kept and who can't.
Paul predicts: 0-2 (Sky Bet odds 5/1)
Betting
Underdogs Aston Villa are 11/2 with Sky Bet to give the Villa Park faithful something to shout about by recording a win against 8/15 shots Southampton. While Villa are down the Saints still have plenty to play for with a top six place up for grabs and are 16/1 shots to do so.
The last two meetings at Villa Park have ended in draws and another stalemate is available at 29/10. Soccer Saturday pundit Charlie Nicholas doesn't think it will be close this time and is tipping Southampton to win 3-0 at 17/2 and Saido Mane and Graziano Pelle both to score at 5/1.
Get the latest odds and tips from our Sky Sports pundits here.
