Nervy moment for Saints as Gavin Bazunu clatters into Jacob Ramsey in the penalty box and VAR has a look. But no penalty kick. Bazunu just got to the ball first. Strong start for Saints as they are putting Emiliano Martinez under pressure and pushing high. KICK OFF! The sun is out on the South Coast and Southampton are going after four wins in a row in all competitions. Key storylines & in-form players to watchSaints’ main man is James Ward-Prowse and he is a flourishing in a more advanced role as a No. 10. He has banged in superb free kicks against Fulham and Everton and is leading by example with five goals in his last six games in all competitions.
A good chance for Leon Bailey as the ball comes in but he slips at the crucial moment. Villa looking much better. SAVE! Gavin Bazunu denies Ramsey with a fine stop after a great Villa counter. Bailey then smashes the rebound over. No goal! Che Adams somehow can’t bundle the ball home and Kyle Walker-Peters does, but they were both offside and the flag is up. Southampton close to an opener.
Center back Duje Caleta-Car has been exceptional, while Kyle Walker-Peters is also back to his best and is operating out of position at left back. Villa’s goals are coming from everywhere as Leon Bailey is looking lethal on the counter and the balance is now right in this side. They look solid enough at the back and already have a clear identity and plan. Emery is getting the best out of this talented squad and Boubacar Kamara has been outstanding in central midfield. Southampton team news, injuries, lineupTino Livramento suffered a setback on his long recovery from a knee injury, while left back Juan Larios remains out.
More possession for Southampton now but not much going on. We are off in the second half and Villa have a great chance. Bazunu with a poor clearance but Villa didn’t make the most of it with a tame effort. Saints have been really sloppy in possession. HALF TIME: Southampton 0-0 Aston Villa – The visitors have had the better chances but Saints are hanging in there. They have decent options on the bench and Nathan Jones will want to see more of an attacking threat from his side in the second half. The game is back underway after that bizarre stoppage.
The fine margins have gone against Southampton in recent games and although performances are improving, they are still bottom of the table. Villa showed extra nous and experience and Saints badly need to add experience, and a clinical finisher, in the final days of the January window if they’re going to stay up. They are so close to climbing out of the relegation zone and are heading in the right direction but the nature of this defeat to Villa will sting. Stars of showEmiliano Martinez: Made some great stops in the second half to grab the win for Villa. Ibrahima Diallo: Won the ball back so many times and did his best to dig deep defensively. Southampton vs Aston VillaHow to watch Southampton vs Aston Villa live, stream link and start timeKick off: 10am ET, Saturday TV Channel: Peacock Online: Stream via Peacock PremiumFULL TIME: Southampton 0-1 Aston Villa – That is a tough one for Saints to swallow. Villa edge it and they are flying under Unai Emery.
Southampton vs Aston Villa live stream, score and H2H
Southampton vs Aston Villa TV channel, live stream and how