Aston Villa’s matchup with Bournemouth presents a significant test for Unai Emery, who will want his team to maintain its current winning ways.
The inclusion of Andoni Iraola in the Premier League Manager of the Month list demonstrates the remarkable strides Bournemouth made in November, getting ready for a challenging start to December against Aston Villa. There have only been three wins for the Cherries, and they were all achieved at the end of October and last weekend.
The Cherries’ victories over Sheffield United and Newcastle United have lifted them out of the relegation zone and into a healthier position. Iraola will be looking to maintain the momentum and hopes for another strong performance from his guys.
At the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth has won their past two Premier League games, putting them in a bit of a purple patch at home. It goes without saying that Iraola would like to win three straight and put some distance between them and the struggling teams in the bottom three, which would also relieve some of the manager’s strain.
The Cherries’ biggest task will be to stop a high-flying Aston Villa team that has reached unprecedented heights under Unai Emery. In order to further fuel their hopes, the Spaniard will want his team to continue their recent winning streak and secure a statement victory.
Thanks to an Ollie Watkins winner against Tottenham last weekend in North London, they defeated the Spurs and moved up to fourth place. The depth of Villa’s roster raises some concerns about their ability to mount a serious title challenge. However, they are currently one of the opponents.
Given that he wants his team to gain momentum ahead of a busy few days, Emery will settle for nothing less than a victory at the Vitality Stadium. Villa’s next opponents are Manchester City on Monday and league leaders Arsenal on Saturday. Therefore, the Villans need to win on Sunday in order to perhaps have some cushion going into the next two games.
Team Bournemouth News & Strategies.
Despite having a quite large injury list, Bournemouth had won their last two games. Several first team stars will not be available for Andoni Iraola to rely on; Lloyd Kelly is the most recent to join his teammates in the treatment room.
Prior to the Villa match, Tyler Adams, Max Aarons, Alex Scott, Ryan Fredericks, Emiliano Marcondes, and Darren Randolph are all listed as out. The starting eleven that defeated Sheffield United can remain unchanged for Iraola. However, there’s a potential to make some minor adjustments once some fit players return.
Milos Kerkez will undoubtedly enter the lineup at left back as a result of Kelly’s injury. Meanwhile, Justin Kluivert’s goal against Sheffield United will have ended his prospects of making a huge difference. Philip Billing has been kept on the bench by him, and he will continue to do so on Sunday.
Dominic Solanke will lead the line and Marcus Tavernier, wearing a brace, will begin the attack on the left side. Given his recent impressive play, Antoine Semenyo will also start in the front three for Bournemouth.
Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Christie, Cook; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Solanke are the probable lineup (4-2-3-1).
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery recently allowed some of his injured players to play again, as he did with Jacob Ramsey, Nicolo Zaniolo, Leander Dendoncker, and Jhon Duran during the midweek European match.
The only one of those who might stay on the team due to Watkins’ issue is Duran. After missing the midweek match due to discomfort, Emery stated that the striker was doubtful for Sunday. A late evaluation and the manager’s choice—who will be considering the matches against Manchester City and Arsenal—will determine whether to start the forward on Sunday.
Alex Moreno has given Emery a selection headache since he scored in the midweek European match. However, Lucas Digne may wind up being selected by the management for that left-sided role. Ezri Konsa will remain the starting right-back, while Diego Carlos and Pau Torres will take up the center defensive positions.
Matty Cash may maintain his spot on the right wing going forward in a more attacking role. Another strong performance came from Youri Tielemans coming off the bench. With Boubacar Kamara out due to suspension, the Belgian will start in a midfield two alongside Douglas Luiz.
Possible Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Martinez; Cash, Tielemans, Luiz, McGinn; Diaby, Duran; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne
Important Statistics
Since March 2016, Bournemouth has not won three straight Premier League games.
With 28 goals given up, Bournemouth is the Premier League’s poorest defensive unit outside of the relegation zone.
In their last six Premier League encounters with Aston Villa, Bournemouth has prevailed four times.
Nine of Aston Villa’s previous 11 games in all competitions have ended in victories.
In those 11 games, Aston Villa has only managed one clean sheet in all competitions.
Watch Youri Tielemans with a Player
Despite being expected to start games frequently when he joined Aston Villa, the Belgian has not had the best of starts. Tielemans may have turned the corner with his recent performances after a period of uncertainty and remarks made in the media suggesting that he was unhappy under Emery.
Given the caliber of their next games, Tielemans will have another chance to shine in the Bournemouth match with Kamara out of the picture. In his last two matches across all competitions, he has set up a goal. Emery will be hoping for more growth from the Belgian when they take on the Cherries on Sunday.
Forecast
Bournemouth 1–2. Aston Villa
Bournemouth is having a successful run of play. But this season, they have frequently crumbled when things become tough. They might be in a good position because of their recent victories over Sheffield United and Newcastle United. However, the Cherries might play a top-four team that is playing really well.
Aston Villa will be under pressure to play well and aim for a victory going into this match, especially given their next two opponents. Emery will therefore want every player to give it their all in order to win three points and maintain the team’s momentum.
