Long and Pelle start for Ronald Koeman’s high flying Saints.
The teams have been confirmed for this evening’s crucial Premier League clash at Villa Park, where second placed Southampton travel to Paul Lambert’s rapidly plummeting Villa, who are without a win since visiting Anfield back in September.
Live Aston Villa v Southampton streaming and Premier League preview
For the underperforming hosts, star striker Christian Benteke is still suspended after his red card against Tottenham Hotspur before the international break, so Gabriel Agbonlahor starts in attack, supported by Andi Weimann and Charles N’Zogbia.
Visitors Southampton go with an attacking looking line-up, that sees top scorer Graziano Pelle flanked by Shane Long, as well as creative wide players Sadio Mane and the irrepressible Dusan Tadic.
#AVFC (v @SouthamptonFC): Guzan, Hutton, Okore, Clark, Cissokho, Sanchez, Westwood, Cleverley, Weimann, N’Zogbia, Agbonlahor. #AVFCLIVE
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) November 24, 2014
#SaintsFC team vs @AVFCOfficial: Forster, Clyne, Fonte ( c), Alderweireld, Bertrand, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, Tadi?, Long, Mané, Pellè.
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) November 24, 2014