Verdict: Eli Junior Kroupi over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Luckster

Searching for an immediate Premier League response on Saturday afternoon, Aston Villa will travel to the Vitality this weekend when they meet Bournemouth.

Bournemouth

Starting with the hosts, while Bournemouth might have shown some real issues on either side of opening the New Year, Bournemouth have certainly come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Last seen securing what was a deserved 2-0 victory away at Wolves, Andoni Iraola’s side now have their sights firmly set on finding a route back into the top-half of the Premier League standings. Snatching a sensational last-gasp 3-2 win at home against reigning champions Liverpool, the former Rayo Vallecano boss has seen his squad register 10 points from their previous four top-flight appearances. Finding a recent clinical edge in the final third, Saturday’s hosts will be looking to claim another heavyweight Premier League scalp when they return to the Vitality this weekend.

Bournemouth Team News

Dealing with what has become a stacked injury list, Bournemouth will once again be without the likes of Tyler Adams, Marcus Tavernier, Justin Kluivert and Wales international David Brooks. Completing a blockbuster move to the Vitality during the January transfer window, Brazilian starlet Rayan should get some more minutes under his belt.

Finding the net away at Wolves last weekend and notching an eighth Premier League strike of the season, Eli Junior Kroupi should keep his spot from the start. Arriving from Chelsea over the summer on a permanent basis, Serbian international Djordje Petrovic will start between the sticks.

Aston Villa

As for the visitors, missing out on the opportunity to widen the buffer at the top of the Premier League table, Aston Villa are seeking an immediate response here. Eventually falling to a toothless 1-0 loss at home against Brentford, Unai Emery’s side have now recorded just four points from any of their previous four Premier League appearances. Nevertheless, storming their way to a Europa League Round of 16 ticket and widely regarded as a standout European contender in 2026, the former Arsenal boss has seen his record-breaking squad receive plenty of plaudits from across the continent. Opening Saturday’s trip to the Vitality still sat in bronze medal position, Villa also stormed their way to a dominant 4-0 victory when they welcomed Bournemouth to the Midlands for their reverse Premier League showdown on November 9th.

Aston Villa Team News

Picking up a thigh injury against Salzburg last week while in Europa League action, England international Ollie Watkins remains on the sidelines and will not play any part here. Likewise, undergoing knee surgery last month, French midfielder Boubacar Kamara is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.

While Tammy Abraham might have seen his maiden strike at Villa Park ruled out last week, the January recruit will spearhead Emery’s charge on Saturday afternoon. Eventually staying put in the Midlands following intense speculation over a move away, Emi Martinez will start between the sticks.

Bournemouth vs Aston Villa Key Factors to Consider

• When Bournemouth and Aston Villa met for their reverse Premier League showdown on November 9th, Saturday’s guests stormed their way to a dominant 4-0 victory.
• Villa are unbeaten in their previous six Premier League meetings against Bournemouth (four wins, two draws).
• However, Emery’s side have recorded just a sole win from their previous four Premier League matchups.
• The Cherries have registered 10 points from their previous four top-flight appearances.
• Bournemouth’s last three showdowns at the Vitality have produced 15 goals at both ends of the pitch.

Conclusion

Showing some signs of a Premier League struggle and putting just a single win on the board from their previous four attempts, Aston Villa will travel to the Vitality this weekend seeking a domestic boost. Storming their way to an empathic 4-0 romp when they welcomed Bournemouth to the Midlands for their reverse top-flight battle on November 9th, Emery’s side will be excited by a dominant record against Saturday’s hosts. However, meeting a Cherries side that have enjoyed a resurgent run over the past month, Villa could once again face a rugged test.

Verdict: Eli Junior Kroupi over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Luckster