AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa FC Match Prediction & Analysis

A crucial clash for European qualification sees eighth-placed Bournemouth host seventh-placed Aston Villa at the Vitality Stadium. With only two points separating Bournemouth from 11th and a potential Conference League spot at stake, motivation will be high. 

Aston Villa, also driven by Champions League aspirations with tight competition between fourth and seventh, will be pushing hard for a win. Both teams are coming off impressive victories, with Bournemouth securing a historic 2-1 win at Arsenal and Villa edging out Fulham 1-0, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter between two in-form sides with continental ambitions.

TEAMS PREVIEW

AFC Bournemouth Preview

Bournemouth will be riding high after their impressive 2-1 away victory against Arsenal, extending their unbeaten league run to five matches (W2, D3). This sequence has solidified their hold on eighth place, a position that could potentially secure Conference League qualification. 

However, with several teams closely behind, the Cherries have little margin for error and need to improve their recent home form, having scored exactly one goal in each of their last six matches at the Vitality Stadium. Their win against Arsenal marked their first-ever away victory against the Gunners, highlighting their potential to surprise top teams.

Bournemouth will be without Dango Ouattara (groin), Enes Unal (knee), Ryan Christie (groin), and Luis Sinisterra (thigh). Antoine Semenyo, who assisted a goal against Arsenal, is likely to replace Ouattara on the left wing. Semenyo has nine goals and five assists this season. Justin Kluivert (12 goals) and Evanilson (10 goals) remain key attacking threats for the Cherries.

Bournemouth Probable Starting Lineup - Kepa (GK); Araujo, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Cook; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson

Aston Villa FC Preview

Following unsuccessful trips to Manchester City and Wembley, Aston Villa returned to winning ways at Villa Park with a 1-0 victory over Fulham, courtesy of a Youri Tielemans header. 1  Still in the hunt for Champions League qualification, they trail fifth place by just three points. Their recent form is strong, with seven wins in their last nine league games and an 11-game scoring streak.

Historically, Bournemouth had the upper hand, winning four consecutive Premier League matches against Villa. However, the tide has turned, with Villa unbeaten in their last four encounters, including a 1-1 draw earlier this season where Bournemouth scored a late equalizer. 

Aston Villa will be without on-loan forward Marcus Rashford due to a thigh injury, with his return this season uncertain. Midfielder Youri Tielemans is also sidelined with a muscular issue. 1  Ollie Watkins, who has a good assist record against Bournemouth (four assists), will likely lead the attack in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He scored the winner against Fulham, his third league goal with seven assists this season.

Aston Villa Probable Starting Lineup - Martinez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; McGinn, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins