Aston Villa Predicted Lineup for Bournemouth Clash: Watkins Decision Made as New Signing Alysson Awaits Debut
Unai Emery is expected to make strategic changes to the Aston Villa starting eleven as they prepare for a crucial Premier League away fixture against AFC Bournemouth this Saturday afternoon. The Villans are seeking a swift response following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Brentford last weekend, a result that has significantly dented their aspirations for Champions League qualification. Despite playing with a man advantage for over half the match after Kevin Schade's red card, Villa failed to capitalise, with Dango Ouattara's clinical strike proving decisive.
Emery's Selection Dilemmas and Tactical Adjustments
Emery must now rally his squad to put that setback behind them and focus on the challenge ahead, adopting the manager's mantra of taking it one game at a time. The task of overcoming Bournemouth, while tricky given the Cherries' current form, remains achievable if Villa can replicate their dominant performance from earlier in the season, which resulted in a resounding 4-0 victory at Villa Park. Key selection decisions loom large for Emery this weekend, with Ollie Watkins back in contention following his recovery from a hamstring injury and Amadou Onana ready to return to the starting lineup. Additionally, there is a tight call to make at left-back, and new signing Alysson, acquired for £10 million, could be in line for his debut appearance, potentially off the bench.
Predicted Starting Lineup for Aston Villa
Here is the anticipated starting eleven that Emery is likely to field at the Vitality Stadium, aiming to secure a vital three points in their pursuit of European football.
- GK - Emiliano Martinez: The World Cup-winning goalkeeper will be eager to bounce back after conceding against Brentford, following standout performances against Newcastle United and Salzburg. Martinez remains the undisputed first-choice between the posts.
- RB - Matty Cash: A consistent and reliable figure in Emery's system, Cash has solidified his place as one of the first names on the team sheet, adapting seamlessly to the manager's tactical demands.
- CB - Ezri Konsa: Despite occasional shaky moments this season, Konsa has been largely brilliant and, after being rested midweek, is poised to continue his fine form as he builds towards the World Cup.
- CB - Pau Torres: With both Torres and Tyrone Mings experiencing defensive lapses recently, the former is likely to get the nod at left centre-back, though this position remains a concern for Villa.
- LB - Lucas Digne: Emery has rotated between Digne and Ian Maatsen throughout the season, but Digne, having featured in Villa's most recent victory, might just edge this close call for the starting role.
- CDM - Douglas Luiz: The Brazilian delivered an excellent performance in his second debut for the club, despite the defeat, and should be a mainstay in the lineup given Villa's injury woes.
- CDM - Amadou Onana: After missing the Brentford game due to muscle fatigue, Onana is expected to return to the starting eleven, playing a pivotal role in the absence of the injured Boubacar Kamara.
- CAM - Emiliano Buendia: Recently awarded Villa's player of the month for January, Buendia is building confidence but needs to enhance his consistency to make a greater impact.
- RW - Jadon Sancho: While showing occasional glimpses of quality, Sancho requires better consistency, with Leon Bailey providing competition and new signing Alysson potentially making his debut from the bench.
- LW - Morgan Rogers: An undroppable asset when available, Rogers has started every league game this season and is a popular Fantasy Premier League pick, making him a certainty for the lineup.
- ST - Ollie Watkins: The England international is likely to reclaim his starting spot after returning to full first-team training, which may see Tammy Abraham drop to the bench despite his contributions.
This predicted lineup reflects Emery's need to balance experience with fresh impetus as Aston Villa aim to reignite their Champions League hopes with a positive result against Bournemouth.
