Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed a significantly altered starting lineup for this afternoon's Premier League encounter against Bournemouth at Villa Park.
Major Squad Rotation
Emery has implemented six changes from the side that secured a 2-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League on Thursday night. This substantial rotation highlights the demanding schedule and Emery's strategic approach to managing his squad across different competitions.
The defensive unit sees Emi Martinez starting in goal, protected by a back four of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Lucas Digne. In midfield, the double pivot consists of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana, tasked with controlling the game's tempo.
Attacking Setup and Absentees
The creative and offensive responsibilities fall to John McGinn, Emi Buendia, and Morgan Rogers, who will operate behind lone striker Ollie Watkins. This attacking quartet will be crucial as Villa look to break down a Bournemouth side that has shown promise this season.
Notably, Harvey Elliott has not been included in the matchday squad. The team is also without the injured duo of Tyrone Mings and Andres Garcia, who continue their rehabilitation.
Villa's Form and Historical Context
Aston Villa are targeting their sixth consecutive home victory in this fixture, a formidable record that they will be eager to extend. Despite Bournemouth's impressive form this term, they arrive at Villa Park seeking to end an unfavourable run; The Cherries are winless in their last five Premier League meetings with Villa.
The full Villa starting XI is: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Kamara, Onana, McGinn, Buendia, Rogers, Watkins.
The substitutes bench offers further options with: Bizot, Lindelof, Maatsen, Bogarde, Barkley, Tielemans, Guessand, Sancho, Malen.
