The feel-good factor has returned to Aston Villa after they clinched a 3-1 victory over Brentford on Wednesday night.
In ending their eight-match winless run, Unai Emery’s men climbed up to eighth in the table, leaving them just four points shy of fourth place Manchester City.
Aston Villa will now want to build up a head of steam as they attack the Christmas schedule and a home clash against Southampton is an ideal fixture.
The Saints are rock bottom of the Premier League, with their only win coming against Everton in November.
Providing any miracles, it’s looking like an instant return to the Championship for Russell Martin’s men, and Villa will be looking to pile further misery onto them here.
Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa celebrates his goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Brentford FC at Villa Park on December ...
Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Steve Sidwell and Peter Crouch share Aston Villa vs Southampton prediction
On Wednesday night, the vibrance and the energy of Villa’s style returned in full throttle, as Brentford struggled to live with them in the first half.
Morgan Rogers, who was compared to Dennis Bergkamp, orchestrated proceedings in attack, while Steve Sidwell praised Tyrone Mings as ‘superb’ in defence.
Now, ahead of Saturday’s showdown, Sidwell has shared his score prediction alongside former Premier League striker Peter Crouch.
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Unsurprisingly, they both agree that Villa will have a comfortable afternoon against the Saints, predicting them to keep only their second league clean sheet of the season.
Speaking on that Peter Crouch podcast, Sidwell said: “Villa Park is a special place, isn’t it? And when the crowd do get you going, it is great. They’d certainly done it the other night against Brentford.
“I can’t see anything other than Aston Villa winning this game. I know Southampton will give it a fight, but I see Villa winning this 3-0.
Peter Crouch replied: “I’m going to have to go next. I will go with Aston Villa 2-0.”
Aston Villa will be watching Southampton ace Tyler Dibling amid interest
Villa won’t just be concentrated on all three points this weekend, as all eyes will be on Southampton winger Tyler Dibling.
The 18-year-old has attracted interest from Aston Villa recently, per Football Transfers, with the fleet-footed talent exploding onto the scene at St Mary’s this term.
Dibling – who has been compared to former Villa hero Jack Grealish – is arguably the Saints’ biggest threat in the final third and it’s clear to see why Emery is fond of him.
Tyler Dibling 2024/25 Premier League per 90 stats Statistic
Goals 1
Progressive passes 3.60
Progressive carries 4.32
Successful take-ons 2.52
Tackles 1.68
Progressive passes received 5.40
In a Southampton side that has scored the fewest league goals (11), the 2006-born star has been a shining light and with Villa craving a new winger in January, he’s one to keep a close eye on.