Southampton have found a rich vein of form as draws earlier in the season have been converted to wins while not sacrificing defensive stability. One defeat in their past 13 matches in all competitions is mightily impressive. Key to their rise has been the strike partnership of Ché Adams and Armando Broja clicking, raising hopes that Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side can win the FA Cup while qualifying for Europe. Sprits should naturally be high, then, when facing an Aston Villa side whose headline-grabbing January recruits are failing to live up to the hype thus far. Steven Gerrard will be wary of his side slipping into a relegation battle so they are unlikely to roll over. Graham Searles
Saturday 3pm
