Chris Sutton has predicted the winner of Aston Villa’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.
Unai Emery’s side are in a jubilant mood after their enthralling Europa Conference League win over Lille on Thursday evening.
Emi Martinez was the pantomime villain after Matty Cash sent the tie in extra time following an 87th-minute finish.
Attention now turns back to the Villans’ Premier League campaign and their top four ambitions. Last weekend went perfectly for Emery’s men. Villa capitalised on Tottenham’s slip-up against Newcastle United with a near-perfect away performance against Arsenal.
Up next is a tricky test against Andoni Iraola’s side.
Chris Sutton drops verdict on Aston Villa’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth
Villa must win these types of games if they want to be taken seriously in their pursuit of a top-four berth.
Bournemouth have enjoyed a solid season and have several dangerous players within their ranks. Keeping the likes of Dominic Solanke quiet is an absolute must.
Ahead of the fixture, Chris Sutton has admitted he can’t back against the hosts at Villa Park.
“Aston Villa’s battle with Tottenham for fourth place is one to keep an eye on, and Unai Emery’s side could take another big step towards Champions League qualification here,” he told BBC Sport.
“Bournemouth drew 2-2 with Villa earlier in the season, and I am expecting another close game this time, but after what they did to Arsenal last week, I cannot back against Villa.
“Confidence must be through the roof for Unai Emery’s side, and they have home advantage too. Bournemouth are a good team who have proved me wrong this season, but Villa will create enough chances to win.” 2-1.”
Aston Villa must build on UECL heroics in the Premier League
On paper, this looks like a simple task for Emery and his players. They’re expected to win, and that could well play out. However, the emotion of Thursday’s fixture could play a part. The Villa boss must ensure his squad doesn’t produce a flat performance.
The expectation and high of midweek could work against them. There’s still a significant prize to play for in the league.
Changes could well be afoot on Sunday. The Spaniard has tinkered with his squad brilliantly so far this season, and with a European semi-final also honing into view, keeping players fresh will be crucial.
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