Verdict: Evanilson over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Two sides who are at the heart of their own respective European chargers, Aston Villa will travel to the Vitality on Saturday evening when they meet Bournemouth.
Bournemouth
Starting with the hosts, mounting a sensational late comeback away at Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal last weekend as they left north London with a 2-1 victory, Bournemouth have continued to receive a string of plaudits this season. Shattering a string of records, Andoni Iraola’s side have also reignited their famous European dreams. Despite recording just a pair of Premier League victories since the middle of February, the former Rayo Vallecano boss has seen his squad gain a reputation for their free-flowing approach. However, despite their success in the capital last week, Bournemouth have drastically failed to find any kind of fluidity on home soil. In fact, Saturday’s hosts have come out with maximum points in just one of their last six Premier League showdowns at the Vitality – a run that stems back to January 25th.
Bournemouth Team News
Undergoing groin surgery last month, Bournemouth have already confirmed that Scotland international Ryan Christie will miss the remainder of the season. Likewise, not making a single appearance since back on January 4th, Turkish marksman Enes Unal remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee issue.
Bagging the winner against Arsenal last weekend and recording his 10th Premier League strike of the season, former porto striker Evanilson will lead the line here. In what could be his penultimate appearance at the Vitality, Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga will start between the sticks.
Aston Villa
As for the visitors, claiming what was an essential 1-0 victory at home against Fulham last weekend, Aston Villa will be desperately seeking a repeat performance here. Despite watching both their FA Cup and European dreams come to respective ends last month, Unai Emery’s men still have their sights firmly set on punching another famous Champions League ticket. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat three points adrift of finding a route back into the top-five, Villa will be hoping to find some recent stability on their travels. Including a 3-0 drumming at Wembley against Aston Villa on April 26th, Emery’s camp have lost three of their last four showdowns outside of the Midlands. It should also be highlighted, Saturday’s guests have claimed just a single win from their last three Premier League trips to the Vitality.
Aston Villa Team News
Picking up a hamstring injury last month, Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is set to miss the remainder of the season. However, aside from the England international, Aston Villa have no fresh injury concerns to worry about ahead of their trip to the Vitality.
Claiming a gritty 1-0 victory against Fulham last weekend, Emery could be tempted to name an identical starting XI here. Although Ollie Watkins might have failed to find the net in his previous three appearances, the former Brentford striker should keep his spot leading the line.
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa Key Factors to Consider
- When Bournemouth and Aston Villa met for their reverse Premier League meeting on October 26th, Saturday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate.
- Bournemouth have collected seven points from their three Premier League home fixtures against Villa.
- However, the Cherries have collected just a single win from any of their last six Premier League matchups at the Vitality.
- Aston Villa have lost three of their previous four away fixtures across all competitions.
- Each of Villa’s last seven straight showdowns outside of the Midlands have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Two camps who are looking to punch their own respective European finishes this month, we look set for what is a season-defining showdown from the Vitality. With Bournemouth and Aston Villa playing out a 1-1 stalemate when they met for their reverse Premier League meeting on October 26th, we could be treated to an enjoyable contest from Dorset. With Emery’s Champions League chasers losing three of their previous four showdowns outside of the Midlands, it should also be noted that Villa have claimed just a single point from their last three trips to the Vitality.
Verdict: Evanlison over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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