Opta Stats: Aston Villa v Southampton

Can Ronald Koeman's Southampton continue their impressive form when they visit Aston Villa?

Two teams at opposite ends of the table meet when Aston Villa host Southampton. Opta provides the statistical analysis.

Aston Villa have failed to score in six of their last seven Barclays Premier League matches and netted just once in the other game in that run. Under 2.5 goals is 1.834/5.

This is Southampton's best ever start to a top flight season, surpassing last season's 22 points at this stage. They are 2.915/8 to finish in the top four.

Southampton are the only team in the Premier League who have dropped no points from matches where they have been leading this season, winning all eight. The Saints are 1.794/5 to win.

In contrast, Aston Villa are one of two teams going into this matchday yet to recover any points after falling behind. Southampton are 2.8815/8 to win half-time/full-time.

Four of the five goals Villa have scored in the Premier League this term have been netted in the first half and they have not netted after the 50th minute at all. The odds of the first-half containing more goals than the second are 3.211/5.

Southampton have allowed fewer shots on target against them than any other team in the top flight this season (24). They are 2.3811/8 to keep a clean sheet.

Southampton have scored the joint-most goals from substitutes this season (5 along with Newcastle). The odds of the second-half containing more goals than the first are 2.111/10.

Saints have kept five clean sheets in their last eight Premier League visits to Villa Park. They are 2.6213/8 to win to nil.

Aston Villa have fired in the fewest shots on target in the Premier League this season (23). Under 1.5 goals is 3.3512/5.

Villa have scored with just 7% and hit the target with just 30% of their shots this season, both divisional lows. You can lay both teams to score at 2.0621/20.