The Premier League’s 36th matchday brings a compelling clash at the Vitality Stadium as Bournemouth host Aston Villa in a battle between two sides chasing European ambitions. Kickoff is set for 5:30 PM local time, with the game broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League channels. Bournemouth, sitting eighth with 53 points, are coming off a historic 2-1 comeback victory against Arsenal, boosting their hopes of a top-seven finish. Aston Villa, seventh with 60 points, are firmly in the race for a Champions League spot after a gritty 1-0 win over Fulham.
Prediction
This match is shaping up to be a closely contested affair, with both teams showing attacking intent and defensive vulnerabilities. Bournemouth’s recent form, unbeaten in their last five league games, including wins over Fulham and Arsenal, suggests they can hold their own at home. However, their home record is patchy, with only one win in their last six Premier League matches at the Vitality Stadium.
Aston Villa, despite a dip in away form with three losses in their last four away games across all competitions, remain a potent counter-attacking threat led by Ollie Watkins. The Lions’ ability to score late and Bournemouth’s knack for conceding in stoppage time—Villa have let in eight goals after the 90th minute this season—could lead to late drama. Given the attacking firepower on both sides and their tendency to produce open games, a high-scoring draw feels likely, with a 2-2 scoreline a reasonable prediction.
Head-to-head
The head-to-head record between Bournemouth and Aston Villa is evenly balanced, with both teams winning four of their last ten encounters across all competitions, alongside two draws. Their most recent meeting in October 2024 ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw at Villa Park, with Evanilson’s 96th-minute equalizer canceling out Ross Barkley’s opener. Last season’s clashes saw a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth and a 3-1 Villa win at home.
Historically, matches between these sides average 2.8 goals per game, and both teams have scored in seven of Bournemouth’s last nine league games, pointing to another goal-filled encounter. Bournemouth’s earlier dominance, winning four straight Premier League games against Villa between 2016 and 2022, has given way to Villa’s recent edge, as they are unbeaten in the last four meetings, winning two and drawing two.
Possible lineups
Bournemouth will be without several key players due to injury, with Luis Sinisterra, Ryan Christie, and Enes Unal expected to miss the remainder of the season, while Dango Ouattara is doubtful with a groin issue. Manager Andoni Iraola is likely to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal. The backline should consist of Julian Araujo, Illia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen, and Milos Kerkez. In midfield, Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook will provide stability, while Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert, and Marcus Tavernier support striker Evanilson, who is under scrutiny after a red-card appeal.
Aston Villa have fewer injury concerns, though Youri Tielemans’ absence is a blow, and Marcus Rashford may miss out with a hamstring issue. Unai Emery is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1, with Emiliano Martinez in goal, protected by Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Ian Maatsen. Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana will anchor midfield, with John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, and Jacob Ramsey feeding Ollie Watkins up top.
Betting tips
The betting markets reflect the tight nature of this contest, with Bournemouth slight favorites at 2.4 odds to win, Aston Villa at 2.75, and a draw at 3.6. Given the trends, backing both teams to score (BTTS) at 1.85 odds is a strong option, as it has landed in each of the last three meetings between these sides. Another promising bet is over 2.5 goals at 1.62 odds, considering ten of Villa’s last eleven matches across all competitions have exceeded this threshold, and Bournemouth’s games average 1.59 goals scored per match.
For a player-specific bet, Antoine Semenyo to have a shot on target at 7/2 odds is appealing, as the Bournemouth winger has registered 118 shots in 34 Premier League games this season. Finally, for those expecting late action, over 1.5 goals in the second half at 4/5 odds aligns with both teams’ tendency for late goals, with Bournemouth scoring eight in stoppage time this campaign. All odds are subject to change, and responsible gambling is advised.