Aston Villavs.Southampton

After beating Brentford to end a long success-free streak, Villa can tackle the top flight's bottom side with almost a full squad available.

Unai Emery is only without Birmingham-born Jacob Ramsey due to injury, as Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana is back in training and could even make the bench.

Set to face RB Leipzig in the Champions League next week, the home side may make further changes, after Pau Torres was rested on Wednesday evening and Tyrone Mings made a rare start.

In addition to the return of Torres, players such as Diego Carlos, Jhon Duran, Ross Barkley and Ian Maatsen are all contenders to push their way into the first XI, along with Jaden Philogene.

The latter will vie with Leon Bailey to start out wide, with Morgan Rogers and captain John McGinn also likely to line up behind a lone striker.

Generally preferred to Duran up front, England striker Ollie Watkins particularly enjoys taking on teams that were recently in the Championship: he has been directly involved in 10 goals in his last five Premier League appearances against promoted clubs, scoring four and setting up six.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins

Written by

Jonathan O'Shea