'Relegation fight' - Michael Owen & Paul Merson agree in Aston Villa vs Southampton prediction

Aston Villa return to action when they play Southampton on Saturday (3pm).

Saints head to Villa Park taking on a resurgent Villa side on the back of 2-0 win at Brighton and Hove Albion last time out.

Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins were on the scoresheet for Steven Gerrard's side, who ended a run of defeats after losing to Watford and Newcastle United in the previous couple of games.

Former Manchester United and Liverpool striker Michael Owen and ex-Villa midfielder Paul Merson both agree that Villa's game against Southampton will end with honours even.

Owen is tipping a 1-1 draw while Merson reckons there will be more goals with the game ending 2-2.

A draw would not do much for Villa's hopes of finishing in the top half of the Premier League table and a win could reel in Southampton, who are five points ahead in ninth place.

"Villa got the win at Brighton last week and they needed it," Owen told the BetVictor gambling firm.

"They were in a comfortable mid-table position, but recent form wasn’t good and you’re only a few bad results away from being dragged down into the relegation fight.

"Southampton are surely the most improved side in the league.

"I didn’t see this form coming, but every player is playing well. A lot of credit must go to Ralph Hasenhuttl for trusting and getting the best out of these players.

"I don’t think there’s a great deal between these two. I think this will end in a draw, 1-1."

Merson, meanwhile, reckons Saturday's game will be a battle of two quality teams.

"Southampton are in a fantastic run of form and are playing some really good football at the moment," he told the website Sportskeeda.

"Villa, on the other hand, have blown hot and cold in recent weeks, but they bounced back to winning ways