Chris Sutton makes Aston Villa team news prediction v Southampton, guesses score
Aston Villa prepare to face a significantly easier opponent in Premier League action than they came up against in the week.
Unai Emery’s side travelled to PSG in Champions League action but were on the wrong end of a 3-1 defeat.
It’s a big deficit to come back from but with Premier League action to focus on first, a victory could give them a boost going into the second leg.
Chris Sutton makes Aston Villa admission
A Morgan Rogers goal was not enough to help Aston Villa in Paris and they came away from the first-leg, needing two goals just to get level.
It was never going to be an easy tie for the Villans, especially away from home and Emery will have plenty of faith in his side to put in a good display at Villa Park.
In comparison to their last game, a trip to Southampton probably seems like a breeze to the West Midlands outfit.
However, Emery’s men cannot get too comfortable given points are needed to boost their attempts for a Champions League finish in the Premier League this season.
In fact, in Chris Sutton’s view this is where Villa need to be focusing their attention, with their European pursuit a step too far.
Sutton wrote in his BBC Sport prediction: “With the best will in the world, Aston Villa are going to go out of the Champions League. They do have players capable of scoring the goals they need against Paris St-Germain in the second leg of their quarter-final, but it will be very hard for them to turn that tie around.
“If Villa open up, you just feel that might suit PSG, who are my tip to win the competition by the way.
“With that game coming up on Tuesday it is just as well for Villa that things will be a heck of a lot easier against Southampton.
“Simon Rusk is in charge of Saints now Ivan Juric has been sacked, and they are not going to just lie down at home, but Villa could make a few changes and still get over the line. Prediction: 1-2.”
Emery still on track for Aston Villa success
A 3-1 defeat in their first leg definitely does not put Aston Villa in the best position heading into the home tie of their Champions League run.
Emery’s men will be prepared to give it their all but even if they do fall to defeat, the boss is still capable of bringing success to Villa Park this term.
| Team | Possession | Shots | Shots on target |
| PSG | 76% | 29 | 10 |
| Aston Villa | 24% | 7 | 2 |
The Claret and Blues still have an FA Cup semi-final ahead of them where they are definitely capable of getting to Wembley and having a chance of bringing a trophy back to the West Midlands.
Furthermore, the top five Premier League places earn a place in the Champions League next season which also gives a great chance of competing again next term.
A top-five finish gives Villa extra revenue again next term as well as the opportunity to attract players to Villa Park with European football.
Therefore, even if Emery cannot see his side past PSG next week, it should not be seen as a failure in his season.