INSIDE INFO: What exactly went wrong at Aston Villa?

This week we spoke to James Rushton of SBNation's Aston Villa blog 7500 To Holte to get the lowdown on Southampton's opponents on Saturday afternoon.

Please read, like, share and, most importantly, enjoy this week's edition of INSIDE INFO - the original (we're looking at you, www.saintsfc.co.uk) Saints column which gets the opposition's views ahead of their match against our beloved Southampton.

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St. Mary's Musings: What were your expectations before the season begun and how do they compare to this point of the season?

James Rushton: Well, on paper this squad doesn't get relegated. We were all hoping for a mid table finish and well... I have absolutely no idea what has happened, but I was so excited for this season that I bought a season ticket. You can laugh now.

SMM: What went wrong for Villa this season?

JR: No idea. It all fell apart after Leicester pulled off their comeback against us in 2015. The squad just looked completely rattled and never got their confidence back.

Our owner felt the same way and saw the inevitably of relegation and refused to fund the club this year.

We've went through a number of managers who either haven't been backed or are just out of their depth. No two people are pulling in the same direction and I fear the worst is yet to come.

SMM: Who's to blame?

JR: Honestly? Everyone.

The players don't have any excuses for falling apart like wet cardboard, none of our managers have grabbed the bull by the horns and our board has failed us.

Not to mention that others like me in the Holte End can turn on a penny and will get angry at the slightest mistake. I think we all need time to heal.

SMM: What players seem to be copping most of the abuse from Villa fans and why is that?

JR: Leo Bacuna is getting dogs abuse right now because he aired his ambitions. He's entitled to do that, but it smacks of stupidity right now. Funnily enough, he's one of the guys who seem to do everything that is asked of them!

Brad Guzan has lost Villa a whole bunch of points and is justifiably mocked on every touch.

Joleon Lescott gets a mixed reaction. He has said some stupid things, but isn't the worst player on the pitch.

SMM: Are there any positives to take from this season at all?

JR: Surprisingly yes! Jordan Lyden, Andre Green and Jack Grealish could form a solid core of youngsters for the future.

Idrissa Gana has been a pleasure to watch and I hope he can escape this sinking ship because he is a cracking player.

SMM: As a Villa fan, how do you view Southampton as a club?

JR: Well, I'm envious.

Southampton are the epitome of well run and I hope everyone on the south coast is loving your run.

I'm from Birmingham though and we're all born with a chip on our shoulder over here.

Look, I love Southampton as a place. I love your football team but God. The fact that Birmingham won't have a team in the Premier League whilst Bournemouth and Norwich are jollying around in the Premier League hurts.

We're proud people and I'm gutted that places like Southampton and Bournemouth will enjoy Premier League football and Birmingham won't. No offence, of course.

SMM: If you could sell any Villa player from your regular starting XI (just one!) who would it be and why?

JR: Joleon Lescott. He's a motormouth and he's past it.

SMM: If you could sign any Saints player, who would it be and why?

JR: James Ward-Prowse. He'd give us another youngster to build around and someone to play opposite or behind Grealish. What a talent he is.

SMM: Are there any Villa players who Saints fans should keep an eye out for on Saturday?
No. Honestly.

JR: I mean Jack Grealish might have a good game, but this team is just dead. Sorry.

SMM: Finally, what do you think the score will be?

JR: Southampton will win by at least two goals. Villa can't score. That leaves me to go for a two nil to Soton!

We would like to thank James for his bravery in answering these questions.