Unai Emery has a few selection dilemmas for Aston Villa's Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Sunday
Ollie Watkins could return to action this weekend
Ollie Watkins could return to action this weekend(Image: Getty Images)
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Aston Villa are looking to complete the league double over Bournemouth for the first time this weekend.
Unai Emery’s side thrashed the Cherries 4–0 at Villa Park back in November, but they will want to return to winning ways after successive home league defeats.
After losing to Everton at home, Villa did secure a win at Newcastle, but then suffered another 1–0 defeat at Villa Park against Brentford last time out.
Bournemouth have won three of their last four Premier League games following a run of 11 without a victory. Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola’s side have also won five of their last seven league matches against teams starting the day in the top three of the table.
Emi Martinez will continue in goal for Villa, likely behind a defence made up of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen.
Amadou Onana stayed on the bench against Brentford last weekend due to muscle fatigue, but if fit he is expected to start at the Vitality Stadium.
Douglas Luiz will likely play alongside either Onana or Lamare Bogarde, as he did last weekend, with Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendía occupying two of the supporting roles behind the striker.
Jadon Sancho could start once again on the right, but Leon Bailey looked bright off the bench against Brentford in the second half, giving Emery food for thought.
Ollie Watkins, meanwhile, will face a fitness test before the match. If he passes, he could lead the line ahead of Tammy Abraham despite the latter’s impressive debut last time out.
Villa starting XI vs Bournemouth predicted: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Luiz; Sancho, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins.
John Townley
John Townley