AFC Bournemouth welcome Aston Villa to the Vitality Stadium tomorrow with both sides chasing different ambitions but arriving with plenty on the line. Bournemouth’s revival has been fuelled by statement wins, including the dramatic home success over Liverpool, a game that underlined their attacking confidence and belief, as reported by SoftFootball.
Villa, meanwhile, are looking to steady themselves after recent stutters while leaning on their European pedigree and resilience built under Unai Emery. The visitors’ mindset has been shaped by comeback wins and a broader continental ambition, something Emery has spoken about openly during Villa’s European campaign and their longer-term aims this season.
That experience will be tested by a Bournemouth side unbeaten in four league matches and playing with freedom after climbing clear of relegation danger. Bournemouth’s confidence has been echoed by Amine Adli, who highlighted the importance of momentum and bravery in their recent run.
The winger explained the positive mood in the camp before stating in full:
When you get good results with the team, everybody feels great. The last weeks have been very good for the whole team. I have a lot of confidence at the moment, but we need to keep giving our best. It’s always better to look forward; it keeps you ambitious.
Villa arrive with a point to prove after frustration against Brentford. Defender Ian Maatsen stressed the need to move on quickly and refocus.
He said:
The game keeps going – we tried, but it couldn’t happen. Hopefully, next game, we’ll be back with a better result than this. We need to stay consistent. These things happen in football; we don’t let this affect us.
Aston Villa’s official X account shares a clip from manager Unai Emery’s press conference, emphasising the need to react after a 0-1 home loss to 10-man Brentford on February 1, 2026, which halted their Premier League title push.
Watch the video below:
Team News
Bournemouth are dealing with heavy absences, including Marcus Tavernier, Tyler Adams and Justin Kluivert, while David Brooks is doubtful. Aston Villa have received a boost with Ollie Watkins cleared to return, though Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans remain sidelined.
Possible Lineups
Bournemouth: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Cook; Jimenez, Kroupi, Adli; Evanilson.
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Luiz; Sancho, Rogers, Buendia; Abraham.
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Bournemouth’s goalscoring form and Villa’s strong away record point to an open contest. Villa’s structure and returning firepower may just edge it, but goals at both ends look likely.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 Aston Villa.
