Expected Southampton lineup vs Aston Villa: Rusk to sideline former Villa star? | OneFootball

Simon Rusk can bench Jan Bednarek after the 29-year-old's subpar showing in London. Further, Paul Onuachu is a heavy favourite to return to the first-team with not many other changes expected.

Today, Southampton's biggest one to watch out for remains Simon Rusk. The whole week leading to hosting Aston Villa has been filled with enthusiasm surrounding Rusk's re-appointment, who actually performed superb in his first assignment.

One point in a single Premier League game isn't bad considering how the ones before and after his short tenure fared. Anyways, Rusk will need to start adding on his solitary Southampton point and what better than getting the ball rolling in his second top-flight debut?

That being said, the first point-winning barrier lies in the lineup and if Rusk doesn't handle this properly, then the evening can quickly turn sour for the home fans. Therefore, Rusk needs to be conservative about naming the defence and dropping a familiar Aston Villa face can turn out well.

Below is our expected Southampton playing eleven that can bring some smiles at St. Mary's after the full-time whistle.

Simon Rusk must field a defensive back-four

GK - Aaron Ramsdale

Ramsdale has faced slight frustration in back-to-back games by coming close to save two goals with finger-tip attempts. Still, both of them were difficult chances and Rusk isn't tipped to punish Ramsdale for that.

LB - Ryan Manning

Knows his position is covered under clouds but Rusk will be wise to test Manning for at least a couple of matches before his patience runs out.

CB - Jack Stephens

Along with the Southampton fans, even Stephens might be guessing what did he do wrong to not start against Tottenham. The 31-year-old's return has been praiseworthy and Rusk must give him his deserved credit.

CB - Taylor Harwood-Bellis

Not the biggest surprise on the starting list but his partner Jan Bednarek could have to sit this fixture out. Bednarek must be thrilled at the prospect of facing his former side but his awful positioning in previous games can't be ignored.

RB - Kyle Walker-Peters

Possesses a wide range of attacking output and needs to contribute towards the score-sheet.

CM - Lesley Ugochukwu

Ugochukwu has started the crucial stretch of the season strongly and must participate against Villa from the very beginning.

CM - Will Smallbone

Wasn't involved much against Tottenham but his defending will be a welcome addition to tackle the visitor's goalscoring opportunities.

CM - Joe Aribo

CAM - Mateus Fernandes

Scored his second Premier League goal recently and needs to carry his impressive run of contributing to the team's goals.

ST - Kamaldeen Sulemana