There are two Premier League games taking place on Friday night, after some last minute rescheduling due to the Queens Funeral on Monday. The Sky Sports televised game takes place at Villa Park, where Aston Villa host Southampton. We’ve previewed the game and provided two best bets for your attention.
Aston Villa vs. Southampton Tips
Steven Gerrard will have been hugely encouraged by his side’s resilience last time out, in their 1-1 draw against Manchester City. The Liverpudlian had found himself under massive pressure following a three game losing streak that found the Villans in the relegation spots. However, one good result cannot paper over a poor start to the season and Gerrard will be targeting this game as one they can win and start picking up much needed points, to move up the Premier League table.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhüttl was another man who featured heavily towards the top of the next Premier League manager to leave markets at the start of the season, but they have had a fairly solid start, winning twice, losing three times and losing once. This form leaves Southampton 12th in the league and the Austrian will be hopeful of picking up more points on Friday evening.
Team news:
Gerrard is without the injured Matty Cash and Diego Carlos, while new loan signing Jan Bednarek is unavailable against his parent club. Villa may go for the same XI that drew against City, with Ashley Young filling in at right back for Cash.
Saints are without Romeo Lavia and Tino Livramento through injury, while new signing Duje Caleta-Car is unlikely to feature due to a lack of match fitness.
Aston Villa vs. Southampton Odds
Match result: Draw – 13/5
Both these sides have had difficulties scoring goals this season, with only one player (Che Adams) scoring more than a single goal. This game could be a dour affair with neither manager wanting to lose and we could see a tight, frustrating match-up. With this in mind, I’ve plumped for a low scoring draw.
Leon Bailey 1+ shot on target – 5/6
With Villa likely to stick with the same side that played City, the likes of Phillippe Coutinho and Emi Buendia will start from the bench, giving more game time to Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey alongside Ollie Watkins. Bailey hasn’t quite shone in the way Gerrard hoped since his £30m move from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2021.
The 25-year-old Jamaican netted regularly in the Bundesliga but has just two Premier League goals to his name in his 24 appearances. However, there have been signs of life in recent weeks, with Bailey letting off shots in the majority of games, two of which have been on target in his last two starts and scored the equaliser against City with a terrific finish.
I’m taking him to register another shot on target here and like the 5/6 price on offer to do so.
