Paul Merson has predicted the winner of Aston Villa’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.
Unai Emery’s men are looking to make it back-to-back victories after their superb away performance at The Emirates last week.
Villa also booked their place in the last four of the Europa Conference League on Thursday evening after a pulsating clash against Lille at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Merson has now cast his thoughts ahead of another massive fixture in the home side’s bid to secure Champions League football.
What has Paul Merson said about Aston Villa v Bournemouth on Sunday?
After the midweek results in Europe, Villa must secure a top-four spot to ensure their place in the continent’s elite competition next season.
Tottenham are still in close proximity, meaning every game between now and the end of the season is vital for Villa.
Writing in his weekly column for Sportskeeda, Merson has had his say on how he envisages things panning out against the Cherries.
“For the 2024-25 campaign, I don’t think the Premier League is getting a fifth spot in the UEFA Champions League after last night’s results,” he said.
“Aston Villa will be wary of that and will want to finish in the top four ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, so I fancy them to get the job done against Bournemouth. They have a big game in the Conference League tonight and Unai Emery will have his eye on silverware.
“That is a huge game for Villa, but they will take a lot of confidence from their 2-0 win against Arsenal. Their game plan was absolutely outstanding on the night – they kept it tight and hit Arsenal on the counter when the nerves started kicking in.
“Leon Bailey’s pace in the second half proved to be absolutely lethal as the Villans capped off a proper performance with three points. They are fourth in the league and have done the double over Arsenal – that is some achievement. Aston Villa 2-1 Bournemouth.”
Aston Villa now in pole position to secure Champions League football
Last weekend felt pivotal in the race to land a top-four spot. Tottenham’s humiliation against Newcastle United was a huge boost. Emery’s side now sit three points ahead of Spurs, having played one more game.
But, when looking at the run-ins, Villa have an advantage over Ange Postecoglou’s men. Tottenham still have to play Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City before the end of the season. The Villans face just one of the current top six.
Emery will be desperate to cap an extremely eventful week with another three points on Sunday.
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