Aston Villa vs Bournemouth Preview: Team News & Prediction | Emery's side are the real deal
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Following their excellent win at Arsenal last weekend, Bournemouth go in search of another upset as they take on an Aston Villa side who are thriving right now.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Saturday 26th October, 2024: UK – 3:00pm / US ET – 10:00am / US PT – 7:00am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not televised / US – USA Network
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – nbc.com
ASTON VILLA PREVIEW: GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
Aston Villa are firing on all cylinders right now with their 2-0 victory over Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday taking them to the top of the inaugural league phase table. Unai Emery's men are one of only two sides, alongside Liverpool, who boast a 100% record in that competition after three games.
In the Premier League, Villa came from behind to win 1-3 at Fulham last weekend, and they are unbeaten in ten games in all competitions since a 0-2 league defeat at Arsenal at the end of August.
BOURNEMOUTH PREVIEW: SUPERB WIN OVER THE GUNNERS
Bournemouth produced one of the shocks of the season last weekend when they beat previously unbeaten Arsenal 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium, Ryan Christie finding the net on the 70th minute before a Justin Kluivert penalty nine minutes later doubled the advantage.
Andoni Iraola will now hope that the Cherries can improve their away form as they have won just once in their four Premier League away games this season.
ASTON VILLA TEAM NEWS: NO INJURIES
Emery is blessed with a fully-fit squad following Robin Olsen and Tyrone Mings' recent returns, which means only the suspended Jaden Philogene is unavailable to face the Cherries.
Ollie Watkins is expected to return to the starting line-up, although Emery may look at ways that he can also field the in-form Jhon Duran, who scored again midweek.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins
UNAVAILABLE: Philogene (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE:
BOURNEMOUTH TEAM NEWS: SURGERY FOR SCOTT
Alex Scott will miss at least six weeks of action after sustaining a knee injury that required surgery so Ryan Christie, who was benched against Arsenal, is poised to return to midfield in his stead.
Luis Sinisterra will miss out with a short-term issue picked up against the Gunners but the Colombian could be back amongst the squad as early as next week.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Araujo, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Ouattara, Tavernier, Semenyo; Evanilson
UNAVAILABLE: Scott (Injured), Sinisterra (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
ASTON VILLA VS BOURNEMOUTH PREDICTION
It seems Unai Emery can do no wrong at the moment with Aston Villa flying high both domestically and in Europe. The Villa boss was able to bench the likes of Ollie Watkins midweek yet his team still emerged victorious, and there is a real harmony in the club at the moment.
The hosts will be wary of Bournemouth's threat given that they upset Arsenal last weekend, but the Cherries haven't been as effective away from home and you'd have to fancy this in-form Villa side to record a comfortable victory.
ASTON VILLA VS BOURNEMOUTH TIP: DOUBLE RESULT – ASTON VILLA / ASTON VILLA
