Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth Predictions

• Villa have won just two of their last six home league games
• The hosts have conceded at least twice in six of their last seven league games at Villa Park
• Bournemouth have lost just once across their last seven

Villa still fighting on two fronts

Aston Villa saw off Lille in the Europa Conference League in midweek, edging out the Ligue 1 side on penalties to book a place in the semi-finals. While they managed to progress in Europe, the other four English sides all exited their competitions, meaning the Premier League’s shot at a bonus Champions League place is off the table.

That means Villa have to give it their all across two fronts, as they’re just three points clear of fifth in the Premier League while gearing up for a European tie with Olympiakos. The Villains are set up for a demanding run-in, but could the strain already prove to be a problem this weekend?

Bournemouth can push the hosts

The Cherries lost at Luton in their last away trip, but they bounced back with a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at the Vitality last weekend. Bournemouth were probably the stronger side in that draw, a result which has left them with just one defeat across their last seven in the league.

Bournemouth have won four of those seven games and they are set up for a strong finish in their first season under Andoni Iraola. He has improved their style of football while keeping them clear of the drop since the autumn. The Spaniard has made the Cherries a real goal threat, with Dominic Solanke impressing for a side who will search for any weakness in the Villa backline.

Shaky hosts could suffer

After playing 120 minutes in midweek, Villa face a real test when they return to Premier League action. Playing at home seems like it would help, but the Villains haven’t been great on their own turf in recent weeks. They’ve won only two of their last six league games at home, while their defensive record has been a real problem.

Villa have conceded at least twice in six of their last seven home league games, while their 2-1 loss at Lille on Thursday is another bad omen for the home side. Bournemouth head into this one having put in some impressive displays of late, while they’ve shown some scoring threat on the road.

Villa looked really stretched in their 3-3 draw with Brentford in their last league game at Villa Park. The Bees probably should have won that game when they took advantage of Villa falling asleep in the second half and this Bournemouth side can cause them problems too. Goals look likely in this one, so I’m backing Bournemouth double chance alongside a 2-2 draw.

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