Aston Villa Southampton Digne
Aston Villa left back Lucas Digne could feature against Southampton (credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Thu 5 December 2024 18:10, UK
Unai Emery could replace Lucas Digne with Ian Maatsen in a single change to his Aston Villa starting XI as Southampton travel to Villa Park on Saturday.
The Villans welcome Russell Martin’s side to B6 on 7 December and will be intent on securing back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since September.
This comes after securing three points against Brentford on Wednesday (4 December) thanks to goals from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash.
After a positive performance against the Bees, the Villa boss is unlikely to make too many changes despite a busy festive period.
Emery will be hoping that Emi Martinez will remain in the starting XI despite suffering an injury against Chelsea. The Argentina international wasn’t forced into making a save against Brentford but did still have 41 touches and he completed 23 passes.
Ahead of him, Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings could be in line to start against the Saints after the latter won 100 per cent of tackles while also winning six duels last time out. Cash could also remain in the side after scoring with his only shot on goal at Villa Park.
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Lucas Digne could be axed for Aston Villa v Southampton
Emery could make a change at left back to drop Digne to the bench after completing just 33 per cent of his crosses against the Bees which will have to be better against Southampton. This could see Maatsen return to the starting XI ahead of the Frenchman.
This could be the only change that the Spaniard utilises with Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn set to start again despite the Scot maintaining a shot accuracy of 0 per cent last time out.
Ahead of them, Leon Bailey will be keen to maintain his role in the side as he continues his search for his first goal of the season. His 100 shot on target ratio balanced out with a 100 per cent tackle success rate which will please his manager.
Aston Villa predicted XI v Southampton
Aston Villa predicted XI v Southampton
Rogers will be hopeful of starting again, despite calls for Emi Buendia to start, after a goal against the Bees while also completing two dribbles.
Ahead of the 22-year-old, his England international is set to start again after a goal and an assist against Brentford. With a 100 per cent dribble success rate and four shots on target, Watkins will be keen to score again as the Saints travel to the West Midlands.
In other Aston Villa news, Martin Keown said that one star turned into Dennis Bergkamp in the win against Brentford.
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