Aston Villa are looking to register back-to-back wins as they welcome Bournemouth to Villa Park for Sunday’s mouth-watering Premier League encounter.
The Lions have been in decent form in recent weeks after shaking off a rusty start to the season. Unai Emery’s side have won seven of their last nine games in all competitions, registering two defeats.
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However, it’s worth pointing out that those defeats have come in their last five games (W3).
Villa will also host the Cherries, looking to bounce back from a 2-0 loss against Liverpool in their most recent Premier League outing.
They were undone by defensive errors and a deflection as goals from Mohammed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch on either side of half-time inflicted their third league defeat of the season.
Nevertheless, Bournemouth’s visit gives Villa a decent chance to return to winning ways.
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The Lions are unbeaten in their last five league meetings with the Cherries (W3, D2), alternating between victory and a draw until their most recent success at Vitality Stadium last season.
Villa are also unbeaten in three home games against Bournemouth (W2, D1), although their last meeting in Birmingham ended in a 1-1 draw.
How Villa could line up
Emery will likely shuffle his pack after the midweek success in the Champions League. The Spanish manager is expected to make five changes, with a huge call made on Youri Tielemans.
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Emiliano Martinez was at fault for Salah’s opener but made up for it with a clean sheet in midweek and should keep his place between the sticks.
Lucas Digne and Matty Cash should return to the XI in place of Ian Maatsen and Victor Lindelof, while Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa continue their partnership at the heart of the defence.
Tielemans gave Villa a taste of what they’ve been missing for over a month in his 15-minute cameo against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
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However, he should start Sunday’s outing on the bench with Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana maintaining their partnership at the base of midfield.
Jadon Sancho and Evan Guessand should make way for John McGinn and Donyel Malen on either side of Morgan Rogers, who recently pledged his allegiance to the Villans with a new contract.
Ollie Watkins should also reclaim his place at the top end of the pitch.
