Ollie Watkins To Start? | 4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Against Southampton | OneFootball

Aston Villa are set to travel to St. Mary’s Stadium to face off against Southampton in their upcoming game of the English Premier League. Villa are seventh in the points table with 51 points in 31 matches. They have won 14 matches, drawn nine, and lost eight matches in the league. They are coming to this game on the back of a 3-1 loss against PSG in the first leg of the quarterfinal of the UEFA Europa League.

During the last 42 meetings, Southampton FC have won 16 times, there have been eight draws, while Aston Villa have won 18 times. Leon Bailey might not be able to play in this game for Villa due to injury. In this article, let us take a look at the predicted lineup of Villa for this game against Southampton.

4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Against Southampton:

Defence:

Let’s break it down, starting with the defense. Emiliano Martínez is a lock for the goalkeeper. His shot-stopping and composure are unmatched. At right-back, Diego Carlos Garcia should bring energy and tenacity, while Axel Disasi’s physicality at center-back pairs well with Tyrone Mings’ experience and aerial dominance. Ian Maatsen’s pace at left-back rounds out a backline that’s solid but adaptable, ready to handle Southampton’s tricky forwards.

Midfield:

Moving to midfield, Villa’s engine room looks dynamic. Amadou Onana’s defensive nous as a holding midfielder lets Youri Tielemans push forward, dictating play with his vision. On the right, Donyell Malen could get the chance, keeping in mind the second leg at PSG and his speed and quality could stretch defenses, while Marco Asensio’s creativity in the attacking midfield role will help to unlock tight spaces.

Jacob Ramsey, on the left, brings local pride and relentless running, tying the midfield together. This group has it all: grit, guile, and goals. Onana’s role will be key to breaking up play, freeing Tielemans and Asensio to create. Malen and Ramsey’s width should give Villa options, especially if Southampton sit deep.

Attack:

Up top, Ollie Watkins will lead the line as the striker. His work rate, sharp finishing, and knack for finding space make him Villa’s biggest threat. He is likely to exploit any gaps in Southampton’s backline, especially with Asensio feeding him chances. Watkins’ movement will be crucial to pulling defenders out of position, and his hunger for goals could decide the game. Villa’s attack hinges on him delivering.