After gripping and ripping through their first four games, Aston Villa came up well short against Leeds despite having the upper hand in the first half. Dean Smith’s side created chances but failed to apply the finishing touch. A surprising development considering the hammering sent via Asgard that Liverpool received at Villa Park. Southampton are arguably an even tougher test than Leeds as Danny Ings will score if given the same room to attack in as Patrick Bamford and co. On the other side Jack Grealish will want to flash his considerable technical and creative abilities for Gareth Southgate’s perusal before England’s upcoming internationals. The quality in both sides easily makes this a contender for game of the weekend. Graham Searles
Sunday noon Sky Sports Box Office
Venue Villa Park
Last season Aston Villa 1 Southampton 3
Odds H 6-4 A 9-5 D 13-5
Referee Darren England
This season G1 Y2 R0 2 cards/game
ASTON VILLA
Subs from Kalinic, Steer, Taylor, Traoré, Nakamba, El Ghazi, Jota, Guilbert, Elmohamady, Hause, Davis, Ramsey, Chrisene, Hourihane, Wesley, Heaton, Engles
Doubtful None
Injured Heaton (knee, 21 Nov), Wesley (knee, Jan)
Suspended None
Discipline Y13 R0
Form WWWWL
Leading scorer Grealish 3
SOUTHAMPTON
Subs from Forster, Gunn, Valery, Vokins, Slattery, Tella, Obafemi, Jankewitz, Ferry, Stephens, Long, Walcott, Diallo
Doubtful None
Injured Salisu (match fitness, unknown), Smallbone (thigh, unknown), Djenepo (hamstring, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y9 R0
Form LLWWDW
Leading scorer Ings 4
