Aston Villa vs. Southampton: Back Danny Ings to have a say against his old club

The Premier League returns this weekend commencing with two fixtures on Friday evening. Aston Villa’s clash with Southampton will be live on Sky Sports. 

The hosts come into this one looking to build on the impressive secured against reigning champions Manchester City. It was Leon Bailey’s late strike that secured a share of the spoils and the winger should keep his spot in the XI here.

Elsewhere, Matty Cash was forced off in the first half, he looks a doubt here which will likely see Ashley Young fill in at right back. Ollie Watkins also looks a doubt, the stiker is thought to be struggling with illness. 

As for the visitors, Romeo Lavia and Tino Livramento will miss out. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Moussa Djenepo could get the nod from the off here at the expense of Adam Armstrong and Ibrahima Diallo, both of which were hooked before the hour mark following ineffective displays in the Saints last game v Wolves.

I think the visitors are worth siding with here, taking them with a half a goal headstart on the asian handicap essentially means backing them double chance though the same bet is a touch shorter at 8/11 with Bet365. 

After splashing the cash, Aston Villa have flattered to deceive this campaign. Steven Gerrard’s side's only victory to date came against a woeful Everton on matchday two. 

Villa have conceded twice as many as they have scored, shipping an xGA 10.69 and only finding the net five times. 

To give them some credit, they held champions Manchester City to a draw in their most recent fixture, however, they lost the xG battle in that game by 1.54, so their overall process did not warrant a result. 

That was the third fixture in a row that they failed to generate over 0.50 xG. Despite scoring, they only managed 0.31 at the Emirates and 0.41 at home to West Ham. Therefore, you have to wonder just how much they will be able to create against the Saints on Friday. 

Following the postponements, Ralph Hasenhuttle’s side will have had plenty of time to ponder their defeat at the Molineux. They should feel hard done by not to have more to show then the three points from their last three games though, having won the xG battle against Manchester United, Chelsea and Wolves.

Two wins, one draw and three defeats paints a picture of inconsistency, however, I think this Saints side have been unfortunate and am siding with them for their trip to Villa Park.

With rumours circulating that Ollie Watkins could be absent for this one with an illness, Danny Ings could be set for a start up front and will be chomping at the bit to impress on a rare opportunity. 

Despite only starting three games this campaign, Ings has picked up two cards, committing four fouls, so the 6/1 about him to be carded here is certainly worth a punt. 

Last season, he picked up four cards in 30 league appearances giving him a cards per 90 average of 0.19. Based on this average, I would have taken 9/2 for a booking here.

Best of luck if you are backing any of these selections and please remember to gamble responsibly.