Bournemouth who recently underwent a regeneration will continue their chase of a European qualification spot since they welcome Aston Vila in the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening in a Premier League match. The two clubs are both facing a crisis of injuries, but are still determined to achieve their ambitious goals, and this match will be full of goals, drama, and fine margins.
Premier League | Saturday, 7 February | Vitality Stadium | Kick-off: 18:00
Context of the match: Momentum vs Reputation.
A significant change has been witnessed in the campaign of Bournemouth. After an alarming 11-match winless run between November and early January, the team of Andoni Iroa has revitalised itself at the right time. The Cherries are ranked twelfth in their last four league matches, just six points behind the top six, and can be described as being in the European allotment.
In the meantime Aston Villa arrive at the south coast with their title dreams all but destroyed. Back-to-back losses at home to everton and brentford have relegated the side of Unai Emery to seven points off the league leader arsenal. Despite Villa still being squarely in the top -four mix, the recent setbacks imply that any additional slip-ups are not sustainable.
Bournemouth Form Guide
The Cherries have become one of the most amusing sides in the league in the previous month. Winning over Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers with the draw against Brighton and Hove Albion and Newcastle United, the increasing strength of the team led by Iraola is emphasized.
Last Five Matches (All Competitions):
- Wolves 0-2 Bournemouth
- Bournemouth 3-2 Liverpool
- Brighton 1-1 Bournemouth
- Newcastle 3-3 Bournemouth
- Bournemouth 3-2 Tottenham
Bournemouth have gained ten points out of the past four matches which they have played in the leagues showing an offensive capacity that is, however, restrained by defense weaknesses. Their goal averages are 3.46, and no team in the premier leagues has had more goal focused games this season.
Aston Villa, Form Guide
The new shape of Villa depicts a contrasting dichotomy. Although their home performances have depreciated in alarm, the squad Emery plays with is ranked among the most powerful in the league when playing away. Arsenal are the only team to score more Premier League points away this season.
Last Five Matches (All Competitions):
- Aston Villa 0-1 Brentford
- Aston Villa 3-2 Salzburg
- Newcastle 0-2 Aston Villa
- Fenerbahce 0-1 Aston Villa
- Aston Villa 0-1 Everton
Nevertheless, Aston Vila are still in the third position in the league table and maintain a very good record of away games, having won eight of the past ten matches which were not held at Villa Park in all the competitions.
Head to head: Villa Take the Lead.
In the past, Bournemouth was successful in the early stages of this game, as they won four out of their first five premier league matches with Aston Villa. But the scales of the counterbalance have clearly shifted in favour of Villa over past several seasons.
- Bournemouth have not won within their six recent leagues against Villa.
- Villa have won the past two head-to-head clashes including a 4-0 win over Villa earlier in the season.
- Over the last nine games, Villa have had four victories, Bournemouth three victories, and two draws have been observed.
- Villa will be working towards getting a rare league bottle over the Cherries.
Team News & Injuries
Bournemouth Team News
Iraola is in the midst of stiffness especially in the attacking third.
Out / Doubtful:
- Marcus Tavernier (hamstring)
- Justin Kluivert (knee)
- Tyler Adams (knee)
- Ben Doak (thigh)
- David Brooks (doubtful – ankle)
The prospect Eli Junior Kroupi, a teenager, keeps impressing, with the highest rate of conversion of shots in the premiere league this season (38.1). He is expected to come in aid of the Brazilian striker Evanilson again.
Aston Villa Team News
Unai Emery has a relatively long list of injuries.
Out / Doubtful:
- Ollie Watkins (strain of muscle - questionable)
- Boubacar Kamara (knee)
- John McGinn (knee)
- Youri Tielemans (ankle)
Watkins, with his fitness doubtful, is presumably relegated to the rear, and the front line will be headed by Tammy Abraham, who will be assisted by Morgan Rogers, whose goals already have 11 points to his name against Villa this season--one of the most postage able totals in the league.
Predicted Lineups
Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)
Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Cook; Jimenez, Kroupi, Adli; Evanilson
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Luiz; Sancho, Rogers, Buendia; Abraham
Key Match Statistics
Bournemouth have scored two or more goals in six of their previous 7 games.
The two teams have recorded objectives in 58 percent of the away league matches of Villa.
Each of the last 6/9 head to head matches has seen more than 2.5 goals.
No other team in the league has permitted more set-piece goals than Bournemouth have allowed this season.
Tactical Insight
Bournemouth is expected to be aggressive and fast-paced, attacking high and taking advantage of wide spaces with Jimenez and Adli. Villa on the other hand are supposed to take over possession and seek to disrupt the Cherries in transition, having Sancho and Rogers in between the lines.
The defensive flaws of both parties are on the defensive side, and the offensive capabilities that are on show, this game would be made to order in terms of goal-scoring games.
Match Prediction
Bournemouth are now gaining confidence, and Aston Villa are unsafe but erratic. Each team will be deprived of essential players but will still have enough attacking potential, so a draw with a lot of goals seems unavoidable.
Correct Score Prediction:
Bournemouth 2-2 Aston Villa
