Improved Villa will pose Saints 'a totally different test'

Dean Smith's side, who narrowly avoided relegation by just one point in the last campaign, have made a flying start this term.

Despite defeat to Leeds last time out, Villa sit in the top four of the table with 12 points from their opening five matches.

The Villans were busy over the summer, adding the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Ollie Watkins and Ross Barkley to their squad.

Saints did the double over the Midlands outfit last season, winning 3-1 at Villa Park before a 2-0 triumph at St Mary's, but Ward-Prowse expects to face a tougher challenge this time around.

"They’ve made some real quality signings," said the midfielder.

"Ones that have definitely improved them as a squad. I think it will be a totally different test to what we had last season.

"Of course you have to respect the opponent and analyse their strengths and weaknesses, but we’ve got such good belief in what we’re doing here as a team that any opposition we play against, we feel confident in what we do.

"It’s a tough test, but one we’re looking forward to."

One player Ward-Prowse will know better than most is Matt Targett. The pair came through the Saints academy and also England youth levels together, before the left-back departed for Villa in July 2019 for around £16million.

"Matty Targett is a great lad," said Ward-Prowse.

"I had lots of good memories and times with him here. A new challenge came for him and he’s gone and really worked hard and sustained himself in the Aston Villa team. Really pleased and happy to see him doing so well."