Key Injuries, Predicted Lineups & Match Preview for the Crucial Premier League Clash on May 10.
Bournemouth and Aston Villa are set to go head-to-head this Saturday in what could be a pivotal clash in the battle for European football. Both clubs are coming into the fixture fresh from morale-boosting wins. Bournemouth won 2-1 stunningly against Arsenal at the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Villa edged past Fulham by a narrow 1-0 margin. With only a few games remaining, every point matters as the Premier League’s top-half tussle intensifies. The encounter promises high stakes, as both teams will be driven by chances of European qualification.
Bournemouth has a sluggish start to 2025 but they now seem to be finding form just in time. They are currently on a five-match unbeaten run that has rekindled their hopes of a continental berth. The streak includes a historic 2-1 win at Arsenal. 8th may be enough for a Conference League spot this season.
However, any slip-up, particularly against Villa who sit seven points above, could end those ambitions for the Cherries. Villa, meanwhile, are firmly in the Champions League hunt. Emery’s side have won seven of their last nine league matches. They now trail only narrowly behind Newcastle, Chelsea, and Forest.
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Dango Ouattara’s groin injury against Arsenal puts an end to his season. This has given Bournemouth a key attacking blow at this point of the season. However, Antoine Semenyo stepped up impressively, delivering a long throw assist for Huijsen’s equaliser. He’s expected to start, but the Cherries’ depth will be tested.
Luis Sinisterra is suffering from a thigh issue, Ryan Christie is nursing a groin injury, while Enes Unal is yet to recover from a knee problem. Hence, they are also ruled out for the season, further limiting Andoni Iraola’s options in the final third. Still, Bournemouth’s home form and recent grit could prove decisive in a tightly fought contest.
Kepa; Kerkez, Huijsen, Zabarnyi, Araujo; Cook, Adams; Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson
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Marcus Rashford’s thigh injury has seen the loanee head to Dubai for recovery, ruling him out of Saturday’s trip. Unai Emery is also sweating over Youri Tielemans, who suffered a muscular issue after scoring the winning goal against Fulham. However, the extent of his absence still remains unclear.
Ollie Watkins now remains a key creative outlet with a league-high four assists versus the Cherries. However, Watkins has limited goals against Bournemouth. Villa’s form and attacking depth may give them an edge, but squad fitness could be a factor in the closing weeks.
Martinez; Digne, Torres, Konsa, Cash; Onana, Kamara; Ramsey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins
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