Unai Emery, the manager of Aston Villa, has shared some concerning news about the team’s players’ fitness ahead of their upcoming clash with Southampton on Saturday. While Emery did not specify which players are doubtful for the match, he did mention that some are dealing with injuries that may prevent them from featuring in the game.
Villa entered Wednesday’s game against Brentford on a winless streak of eight matches but managed to turn things around with a convincing 3-1 victory at Villa Park. Their opponents, Southampton, have also been struggling on the road, having only secured one point in their away games this season after a draw against Brighton last week.
Amadou Onana, who has been sidelined for the past five matches due to a foot injury, is possibly nearing a return to the squad for the Southampton game. Emery hinted that Onana may be more likely to make his comeback in the Champions League match against RB Leipzig on Tuesday. On the other hand, Jacob Ramsey is still recovering from a hamstring issue and is expected to remain out for several more weeks.
Speaking about the team’s status ahead of the Southampton match, Emery expressed the challenges of managing a busy schedule with matches every three days. He emphasized the uncertainty surrounding player availability due to injuries, fatigue, and ongoing assessments of their fitness levels. Emery highlighted the ongoing progress of Ramsey’s recovery and the potential return of Onana to training sessions.
Villa’s Dominance Over Southampton
Aston Villa has enjoyed a successful run of three consecutive Premier League victories against Southampton, keeping clean sheets in each of those matches. However, Southampton has historically been a tough opponent for Villa, with 16 wins in 42 Premier League meetings, matching their record against Everton and Newcastle.
Southampton’s Struggles
On the other hand, Southampton is facing a challenging season, having lost 11 of their first 14 Premier League matches. This puts them in a precarious position, as the previous six teams with similar records were all relegated. The pressure is on Southampton to turn their fortunes around and secure vital points to avoid the same fate.
Your Prediction
Given the current form of both teams and the stakes involved, what is your prediction for the Villa vs Southampton match? Share your thoughts and insights on how the game might unfold and which team could come out on top in this crucial showdown. Let us know your expectations and predictions for this highly anticipated clash in the Premier League.
