Aston Villa vying for momentuous victory over stuttering Southampton

Aston Villa are aiming to secure their Premier League survival when they make the trip to the south coast to face a stuttering Southampton side, with Villans boss Tim Sherwood hoping to soon switch his focus to their FA Cup final clash against holders Arsenal.

The West Midlands outfit looked to be heading for a daunting drop to the second tier under former boss Paul Lambert, but Sherwood’s arrival at Villa Park has sparked an incredible overturn in form and fortunes, with a win at St Mary’s Stadium set to secure their top-flight status.

Sherwood’s men are 3/1 with Coral to triumph and earn a third consecutive Premier League victory, having toppled West Ham United last out and narrowly edged past Roberto Martinez’s Everton before that.

The former Spurs coach is confident his side can claim a win on the road over Ronald Koeman’s Saints, who have stunningly endured a domestic decline, having now gone four games without a league triumph.

“It would be ideal (to be mathematically safe) because we then get a two-week preparation for the cup final,” stated Sherwood.

“We’ve got players who are going through a real pain barrier out there. There are some who are not fit but willing to put their body on the line for the cause.

“In an ideal world we want them to be fit enough to play but they are putting it in for us which is pleasing.”

A rejuvenated Christian Benteke, along with Fabian Delph, have played every top-flight game since Sherwood took charge, while Manchester United loanee Tom Cleverley only missed the opener against Stoke City, proving his squad need time to rest before facing Arsenal.