Aston Villa vs. Southampton – EPL, November 1, 2020

This EPL game on Sunday brings together two teams who have both impressed in the early weeks of the season.

Villa finally lost its 100% record last weekend, while Southampton managed to beat the other unbeaten team that currently sits at the top of the table.

Let’s dive into what might happen with my Aston Villa vs. Southampton prediction and betting pick.

There had been some over-excited Premier League fans who had been converted by the way Villa had started the season and were predicting big things for the West Midlands club. Last weekend’s defeat has dampened that enthusiasm – and BetOnline has priced this one with that in mind.

This will probably be a very even game though, so the draw bet might be the most interesting.

Villa had looked as though it could take its game to anyone before last week’s clash with Leeds. But the Yorkshire club completely overran Dean Smith side right from the start and should have had the game won by the time Patrick Bamford finished off his second half hat-trick.

But that defeat should not fool people into thinking Villa is not cut out to stay in the upper reaches of the division. There are some very good players in this team and, with Jack Grealish pulling the strings in the middle of the pitch, Villa will always manage a few shots on goal at the very least.

Southampton will have to work out a way to deal with Grealish this Sunday, but Ralph Hasenhuttl was able to nullify the threat from Everton last weekend – and the Merseysiders had looked like the best team in the league up until then. The Saints did benefit from the absence of Richarlison, but it was the twin-pronged attack that did the real damage.

Danny Ings and Che Adams make up an imposing double threat up front for Southampton – and they both had big parts to play in the win against Everton. Ings didn’t manage to score in that game but Adams has started to show why he was so highly valued at Birmingham. He is really enjoying himself at the moment and could cause Villa some problems too.

I really like the way that Southampton is playing at the moment – and the way that the players seem to be fully committed to the vision of manager Ralph Hasenhuttl. Villa should bounce back from the defeat to Leeds though and this could end up being an entertaining draw.