Youri Tielemans looking at Unai Emery in split image
Credit: Imago
Kyrenia Shipillis
Fri 7 November 2025 17:10, UK
Youri Tielemans could start for Aston Villa for the first time since mid-September on Sunday.
Tielemans was substituted at half-time in Villa’s goalless draw to Everton in the Premier League back in September.
The versatile midfielder remained sidelined for the Villans until Villa triumphed in a 2-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday.
Unai Emery will want to issue a strong response after Villa’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield last matchday.
As a result, Tielemans could be reintroduced into the starting lineup to face Bournemouth at Villa Park on 9 November.
Youri Tielemans looking concentrated playing for Aston Villa
Credit: Imago
Jadon Sancho back on bench despite promising game vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Jadon Sancho showed promising signs against Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he was a constant threat down the right channel.
Sancho completed 100 per cent of his dribbles
He made three key passes
His passes were 80 per cent accurate
From 38 touches, only one was unsuccessful, but Sancho lost possession 12 times, according to Sofascore.
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However, the right-winger has struggled to show his class in the league and had the unfortunate position of being double-substituted in Villa’s 1-0 win over Manchester City last month.
After dropping points against Liverpool and Bournemouth, fifth on the table, Emery could look to play it safe and start Emi Buendia over Sancho on Sunday.
With this in mind, the Villa coach could start John McGinn and Ollie Watkins over Evann Guessand and Donyell Malen, despite the latter netting in the Europa League on Thursday.
Furthermore, Tielemans could start over Amadou Onana after a solid cameo performance against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
His passes were 96 per cent accurate
Tielemans made one key pass
His crosses and long balls were 100 per cent accurate
This would also see Boubacar Kamara replace Lamare Bogarde and Morgan Rogers retain his spot to form Emery’s midfield trio.
Aston Villa predicted lineup to face Bournemouth
Aston Villa’s predicted lineup to face Bournemouth
Meanwhile, Matty Cash could start over Victor Lindelof, who would return to the bench once again.
And despite an impressive performance, Lucas Digne will likely start over Ian Maatsen in seven changes to face Bournemouth.
Unai Emery has impressive record vs Bournemouth
Emery will have two things in his favour when he faces Bournemouth.
The first is that the game will be played on home turf, and the second is his splendid record against the Cherries.
Indeed, the 54-year-old is currently unbeaten against Bournemouth, having won six out of eight games played.
As a result, Villa fans have reason to feel confident heading into the confrontation, even if Bournemouth’s stellar form poses a problem.
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