Yahoo News Paul Merson and Chris Sutton agree on scoreline as Aston Villa vs Bournemouth predictions made
Aston Villa will be looking to claim back-to-back wins when they host Bournemouth at Villa Park on Sunday (3pm).
Unai Emery's side progressed to the Europa Conference League semi-finals with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over Lille on Thursday night. Matty Cash scored the only goal for Villa to take the game to extra-time and then penalties. Emi Martinez was then hailed as hero of the night, saving two penalties. Prior to that, they stunned Arsenal with a 2-0 victory at the Emirates in their last Premier League outing.
It was the third time Villa completed the double over Arsenal, having done so in 1992/93 and 2020/21. As for Bournemouth, they are winless in their last two games, which includes a defeat to Luton Town and a draw to Manchester United.
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Ahead of the clash, pundits Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have shared their predictions.
Former Villa ace, Merson, wrote in his Sports Keeda column: "For the 2024/25 campaign, I don't think the Premier League is getting a fifth spot in the UEFA Champions League after recent results. Aston Villa will be wary of that and will want to finish in the top four ahead of the Tottenham Hotspur so I fancy them to get the job done against Bournemouth.
"They have a big game in the Conference League 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 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."
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, Sutton told BBC Sport: "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.
"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."
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Bournemouth.
