Aston Villa vs Bournemouth tips and predictions: Villans to hold on to Champions League places

George Dempsey
19 April 2024

It’s an exciting time at Villa Park with Aston Villa fourth in the Premier League table and we’re backing them to tighten their grip by beating Bournemouth on Sunday (1500 BST).

A day after Tottenham unravelled in Newcastle to leave the back door open, Aston Villa gleefully barged in with a shock 2-0 win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The Villans are three points and three goals better off in their quest for Champions League football, although they have played one game more.

That could be negated by the fact they have a much more favourable run-in, starting with Sunday’s visit of Bournemouth, but tired legs could be a factor.

Emi Martinez has previous in shootouts and the Argentine was the hero on Thursday as he denied Benjamin Andre and Nabil Bentaleb in Lille.

The Cherries have enjoyed eight days of rest since drawing 2-2 with Man Utd last weekend so their high-pressing, high-tempo style should serve them well here.

European football seems a real stretch for Andoni Iraoli’s side now, even with cascading places, but finishing in the top half would be a good reward for their work.

In truth, loftier ambitions have always been misplaced when considering their poor defensive record. The visitors allow 2.06 goals per game away from home.

As much as tired legs may benefit Bournemouth, it’s worth noting that Unai Emery’s side has produced a 6-3-2 record on the back of European action.

We’re willing to bet the adrenaline of the occasion at a buoyant Villa Park will help lift the players to a couple of goals and three valuable points.

Team news

Boubacar Kamara, Emi Buendia, Tyrone Mings, Jacob Ramsey and Nicolo Zanio are unavailable due to injury.

Douglas Luiz is serving a suspension for 10 yellow cards so Youri Tielemans will continue to deputise.

The visitors will be without Ryan Fredericks, Marcus Tavernier and Luis Sinisterra.

Chris Mepham, Tyler Adam and Antoine Semenyo were absent last weekend but the latter could return if he shakes off the effects of a cold.

Key stats

- Aston Villa have averaged 2.88 goals per game when hosting sides currently in the bottom half
- Aston Villa have won six, drawn three and lost two after European action
- Bournemouth have conceded two or more in 10 of 15 away matches
- Bournemouth allow an average of 2.06 goals per game away from home