Follow live coverage as Southampton face Aston Villa today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.
The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola's side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United's latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year - yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.
Meanwhile, it's Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Southampton FC 0 - 3 Aston Villa FC
Southampton vs Aston Villa
17:03They were made to work for it, but Aston Villa have come out on top with a 3-0 victory. All three goals were in the final 20 minutes of the match, which the guests dominated from start to finish. After an opening 45 where Villa struggled to really create some serious chances, they came alive in the second half. Despite having a penalty save with 22 minutes to go, it would be Watkins who turned home Tielemans' pass to get the game-winner. Malen and McGinn also converted their chances to complete the scoring. Once again, Southampton fail to avoid defeat as they slump to their 26th loss of the Premier League season. That was also their 13th home defeat, the most they have ever had in a campaign in the top flight. The xG at full-time reads 2.88 to 0.32 in Villa's favour. Thank you again for tuning into this live text commentary, where Aston Villa are 3-0 victors over Southampton. Take care, and until next time.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:58FULL-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON 0-3 ASTON VILLA
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:58Smallbone has one final attempt on goal as he drives forward, but he cannot place it anywhere near the target.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:55GOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLL ASTON VILLA. Despite making a save, Ramsdale is not able to keep it out as McGinn is there to ap the ball home. It is 3-0 for Villa, and that wraps up this match.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:55A SECOND SAVE FROM RAMSDALE, AS HE DENIES ASENSIO.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:55A SECOND PENALTY FOR ASTON VILLA, Stephens misses the ball as he fouls McGinn just inside the penalty area. There was no hesitation from the referee again as he blows his whistle and points to the spot. A second penalty in the match for Villa.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:49Fernandes has a go from distance there, but Martinez sees it all the way and dives across his left to deny his opponent. Harwood-Bellis' follow-up header misses the target. That was a half-chance for the Saints.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:48Substitution Amadou Ba Zeund Georges Mvom Onana Boubacar Bernard Kamara
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:48Substitution Mateus Gonçalo Espanha Fernandes Jay Steven Robinson
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:48Yellow Card Taylor Jay Harwood-Bellis
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:46Yellow Card John McGinn
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:46Garcia is the other player taken off in this Villa double change. Garcia comes on to deputize for the Polish international.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:46Rogers is borught off as he is replaced by McGinn.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:46Some sleek passing from Villa, as Malen lays it off to Asensio. The Spaniard is able to get a shot off, but Ramsdale was equal to it. That was a good chance for Villa to make it three.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:46Sugawara is given a cameo, as the Japanese full-back comes on for Manning.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:46Rogers does well to turn and find Malen on the right wing. It is unselfish work from the winger, who could have tried to take it himself. But, he opts to do the right thing and play the ball off to Malen, who was in a better position.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:44GOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLL ASTON VILLA, THEY DOUBLE THE LEAD. That was a decisive finish from Malen, who is played in by Rogers and puts a powerful shot past a helpless Ramsdale to double the lead for the visitors. They look well on their way to three points now. It is 2-0.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:41Southampton go forward as Fernandes tries to find a red and white shirt with his cross. Unfortunately for him, it was overhit and Villa get a goal-kick.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:35Malen runs down the right-hand side and looks to find a Villa player in the box, but Southampton have enough players back to put it out and concede another corner.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:33Assist Youri Marion A. Tielemans
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:32Goal Oliver George Arthur Watkins
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:31Bednarek is given a yellow card for his challenge that gave away the penalty.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:31Emery goes to his bench for the first time, bringing on Malen for Ramsey as part of a double substtitution.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:31THE PENALTY IS SAVED BY RAMSDALE, the Southampton shotsstopper is equal to Asensio's penalty, and we remain scoreless. What a key moment that could be for this match.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:31Penalty Save Aaron Christopher Ramsdale
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:31PENALTY FOR VILLA, Bendarek makes a poor challenge on the recently brought on Watkins, bringing down the English striker. The referee does not think twice in pointing to the spot.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:30Substitution Marcus Rashford Oliver George Arthur Watkins
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:25Rashford has a go, but never got enough dip in his effort. That results in a goal-kick for the Saints, who will be quite relieved to see the attempt go over the bar.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:24Rashford wins the free-kick after a late tackle from Stewart gives Villa a chance to put a shot on target.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:20Suleyman drives towards the Villa penalty area, and tries to get an effort on goal. He just could not put the right amount of curl, with it going wide of the mark.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:20Substitution Kamaldeen Sulemana William Anthony Patrick Smallbone
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:20Substitution Cameron Desmond Archer Ross Cameron Stewart
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:19Tielemans is picked out by Rashford in the second corner, but he could not direct his header on goal. It goes out for a Southampton goal-kick.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:19Bednarek almost nods Asensio's corner into his own net. The centre-back can be fortunate not to have done so, but him and his colleagues will have to defend another corner now.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:18The first 10 minutes of the second half have been largely a continuation of what Villa were doing in the opening period. They have already forced a decent stop from Ramsdale, and look more dangerous this time. Now it is a matter of breaking the deadlock, which is easier said than done.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:16Maatsen gets around Fernandes and tries to pick out a man, but the Dutch international loses his footing and goes down. The referee does not call a foul, and Southampton are awarded a goal-kick.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:14Rashford does some fantastic work to beat his man and get into the six-yard box. The attacker's final ball is missing though, as he fails to connect with an open Konsa. That was a great chance there for Villa.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:13Archer tries to get an attack going for Southampton, as he looks to slip in Suleymana. Yet, he could not find his team-mate, as there were more than enough blue shirts back to pick off Archer's pass.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:08Onana has the first shot of the second half, as the midfielder gets lovely contact with his effort. Ramsdale is called into action, and parries the ball aside for the corner. That was the first time the Southampton goalkeeper has been truly tested in this match.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:06We are back with the second half. Will Villa create enough to find the back of the net, or is there a potential shock on the cards? Find out over the next 45 minutes.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
16:04Substitution Ebere Paul Onuachu Tyler-Jay Robert Dibling
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:53Going into the second 45, Villa will want to try and create some more dangerous chances. Whlie they did have three shots on targed in the opening 45, none of them really gave Ramsdale too much to worry about. This will have to change in the second period if they wish to collect all three points. After all, it is them who are still fighting for something as a top five finish is still on the line.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:52We have reached the interval at St. Mary's, with neither side being able to find the back of the net. Villa have had much of the possession and chances, but they have left Ramsdale largely untroubled. Southampton, meanwhile, have gone forward whenever they can. In fact, it is the hosts who had the best chance of the opening 45, when Archer's attempt was thwarted by Martinez. The guests have the better of the xG at half-time 0.65 to 0.21.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:49HALF-TIME: SOUTHAMTPON 0-0 ASTON VILLA
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:47Konsa shows great composure in getting across to stop Manning's cross into the box. The defender finds a team-mate and ends the Southampton attack.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:44Walker-Peters picks out Onuachu with his cross, but the Nigerian was forced too wide, as his header goes into the side netting.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:43Ramsey takes the ball off Fernandes, and immediately plays it to Tielemans at the edge of the penalty area. The Belgian takes a touch and goes for goal. His shot, however, goes straight at Ramsdale, who comfortably saves the effort.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:41The game receives its first yellow card, as Fernandes gives away the ball and then is quite late in fouling Maatsen. The referee, who has been quite lenient so far, gives the Portuguese a yellow as a result.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:40Asensio is found in space and the Spaniard drives towards the Southampton goal. He has a hit, but like Cash a few moments ago, it goes well over the bar.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:39That was well worked from Villa, as Ramsey smartly plays a dummy to Cash. Unfortunately for the right-back, he curls his attempt well over the bar. It is a pity, as it was some smart play to have the Pole open.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:37Villa are really stepping it up, as they are pinning Southampton deep into their half. Tielemans tries to find Rashford, but Ramsdale is abel to get off his line and claim the pass.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:34Manning takes down Rogers on the right wing, giving Villa a free-kick and a good chance to create a promising chance.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:32Ugochukwu is late with his challenge on Onana, fouling the midfielder. The referee calls him over and has a word. That is likely the Frenchman's final warning.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:30Maatsen clips the ball across, but fails to find a man. Despite putting too much on his cross, Manning chests it back to Ramsdale under a bit of pressure from Asensio.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:28Southampton go on the attack as Manning plays a teasing cross, but Konsa is there to intercept and send it out for a corner for the home side.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:27Ramsey goes on a run into the box, taking it past Fernandes. He goes down while in the penalty area. The referee is unmoved, telling him to get to his feet.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:24Asensio chips the ball in as Konsa tries to head it down to a team-mate. He finds Tielemans, who attmempted to find someone else in the middle of the box, but Ramsdale is there to deny the Belgian.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:23Ramsey gets himself into some space just outside of the box and fires on target. However, multiple Southampton players are there to get a body on the shot, and send it out for a corner.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:22Despite having the majority of the possession to open things, Villa have largely been ineffective in front of goal. They have not really done anything of note to give Ramsdale anythign to worry about. They will want to improve on that.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:19Southampton are the first to get a shot on target in the match. A beautifully weighted pass from Walker-Peters finds Archer, who puts a shot on goal. Martinez is there though, saving the ball.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:15Tielemans plays a free-kick into the box, finding an open Cash. The defender tried to head the ball back across, but two Southampton players headed the ball out for a Villa corner.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:14Tielemans leads Maatsen into the box with his pass. The Dutch full-back runs into the box with the pass, but his attempted cross is blocked by Harwood-Bellis, who is able to clear the ball.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:12Onana looks up and finds Rashford with a pass over the top. The Englishman tries a header from some way out, but he fails to catch out Ramsdale, who saves the header without issue.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:09Walker-Peters plays a chipped ball into Archer, who does get his head on the ball. Unfortunately for the winger, he puts too much on his header and runs out of space to fully control the ball. Martinez comes out of his goal and easily gathers, ending the Southampton attack.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:06Onuachu is a bit too aggressive in trying to dispossess Mings, and the Nigerian gives away a free-kick to Villa.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:05Maatsen had a go from distance, but the Dutchman's effort goes well over the bar, failing to test Ramsdale.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:03Right off the bat, Tielemans plays a long pass into Rashford, who runs onto the ball and has an effort on goal. Bednarek comes across and gets his body in the way, blocking the ball out for a corner kick.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
15:02The players and match officials are walking onto the pitch, meaning we are moments away from kick-off. Sit back and enjoy this live text commentary between Aston Villa and Southampton.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
14:57A Jhon Duran goal midway through the first half made the difference when these sides last met back in December as Villa came out on top 1-0. That was the fourth successive victory for the Birmingham-based club in this head-to-head. The last time Southampton were victorious came almost three and a half years ago as Adam Armstrong scored the only goal in a 1-0 win back in 2021. Outside of that, the Saints have not scored in their last five defeats to Villa, and seeing they have been struggling to score all season long, it would not be surprising if today made it six.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
14:52Rotation is key for Villa, who have a deep team they can choose from. As such, it is unsurprising to see they have made four changes from last weekend's victory over Nottingham Forest. Two those adjustments come at the back, as Garcia and Disasi are dropped to the bench in favour of Konsa and Cash. Further forward, Malen and Watkins are sacrificed for Ramsey and Rashford. Of course, Emery has Tuesday on his mind, so not playing some of his key players from the start is important for recovery.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
14:47Southampton parted ways with Ivan Juric after their last match, and are also reverting to a back three in this one. That has resulted in two changes in the team. Stephens becomes the third centre-back, replacing Aribo. The other sees Dibling make way for Onuachu, the Nigerian scoring in two of his last three appearances for the Saints. It is eight games without a win for Southampton - seven of them being losses - so they wlil certainly look to end this disastrous run.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
14:47SUBS: Axel Disasi, John McGinn, Ollie Watkins, Lucas Digne, Pau Torres, Andres Garcia, Donyell Malen, Robin Olsen, Boubacar Kamara
Southampton vs Aston Villa
14:41ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez; Ian Maatsen, Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash; Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana; Jacob Ramsey, Marco Asensio, Morgan Rogers; Marcus Rashford
Southampton vs Aston Villa
14:41SUBS: Alex McCarthy, Joe Aribo, Will Smallbone, Ross Stweart, James Bree, Nathan Wood, Yukinari Sugawara, Tyler Dibling, Jay Robinson
Southampton vs Aston Villa
14:41SOUTHAMPTON (3-4-3): Aaron Ramsdale; Jack Stephens, Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis; Ryan Manning, Lesley Ugochukwu, Mateus Fernandes, Kyle Walker-Peters; Kamaldeen Sulemana, Paul Onuachu, Cameron Archer
Southampton vs Aston Villa
14:41It has been a contrasting season for the two clubs involved in this fixture. Southampton will be heading back to the Championship at the end of the campaign, with last weekend's 3-1 reverse to Tottenham - their 25th defeat in the league - sealing their fate as the first relegated side. It has been a nightmare of a season for them, as they have scored the fewest goals, while conceding the most. With just 10 points to their name, they could end up with the unwanted record of having the fewest points in a Premier League season, ever. Things have gone much better for Aston Villa, who head into this weekend in seventh spot. Three victories on the trounce has Unai Emery's men believing they can still earn a spot in the top five and qualify for the UEFA Champions League next fall. Speaking of the UCL, they did lose in midweek to Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. That will certainly be on their minds as they have the return match on Tuesday.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
14:36Hello to one and all, and welcome to this live text commentary for this Premier League match between Southampton and Aston Villa. We are half an hour from getting under way at St. Mary's, but stick around as we provide some pre-game build-up for this game.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
14:30Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
13:00Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
