Aston Villa made a pretty promising start to the Premier League season, but it hasn't taken long for Paul Lambert's side to revert to type. The Villans haven't won a game since early September, and find themselves just a point clear of the relegation zone. They need to get back to winning ways, and fast.
Aston Villa vs. Southampton live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
Aston Villa will look to stop the rot at home to high-flying Southampton in the Premier League’s Monday night fixture.
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Unfortunately, their chances of doing so in Monday night's game at home to Southampton look slim at best. Ronald Koeman's side continue to defy pre-season expectations of relegation struggles, and find themselves sitting up in second place. If they win this match they'll have picked up maximum points from their last five matches, leaving them just four points in arrears of league leaders Chelsea. They are increasingly looking like genuine top four contenders.
Key player - Dušan Tadić (Southampton)
One of the stars of Southampton's early season form has been Dušan Tadić, with the Serbian winger having racked up an impressive six assists and found the net once since arriving from Dutch outfit Twente in the summer. He was a player that Villa manager Paul Lambert has admitted he tried to sign, so a good game here would add insult to injury for the hosts.
Key matchup - Aston Villa's defence vs. Graziano Pellè
Italian international Graziano Pellè has adapted to the rigours of the Premier League with surprising ease; his big frame an physical style ensuring he’s been able to impose himself in a pretty tough division. Aston Villa’s defence -- which could be without its two regular centre-backs -- could well struggle to keep the former Feyenoord man out of the game.
Aston Villa injuries and suspensions
Out: Libor Kozák (leg), Fabian Delph (shoulder), Christian Benteke (suspended). In doubt: Ron Vlaar (knock), Philippe Senderos (calf), Nathan Baker (knee), Alan Hutton (ankle).
Southampton injuries and suspensions
Out: Jay Rodriguez (knee), James Ward-Prowse (foot). In doubt: Morgan Schneiderlin (groin), Steven Davis (knock).
Aston Villa will miss crucial first-teamers Fabian Delph and Christian Benteke, while starting defenders Ron Vlaar, Philippe Senderos and Alan Hutton all face late fitness tests. Southampton’s long-term absentees Jay Rodriguez and James Ward-Prowse are still out, while Morgan Schneiderlin and Steven Davis are doubts.
Match Date/Time: Monday, 8 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
TV: NBCSN, Mun2, Directv (U.S.), TSN4, TSN1 (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo Extra (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Go (U.K.)
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