Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Relegation looms large over this contest. The recently promoted Aston Villa only just managed to escape the drop zone with their 2-1 win over Watford. Meanwhile, Bournemouth – having struggled all season – still sit in the 18th position. The possibility remains far too close to comfort for both, and will be a big motivating factor as the Cherries and Villa look to get some breathing room between them and disaster.
Another thing they have in common is a recent turnaround in fortunes in the form of their last Premier League outing. Aston Villa, as mentioned, got that victory over Watford, and Bournemouth staged a comeback of their own in the form of a 3-1 win over Brighton. Now we have seen that Bournemouth and Aston Villa clearly have what it takes to survive in the Premier League, the question is can one put down the other to further solidify that position.
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa Prediction: Bournemouth 1-0 Aston Villa
This is one of the toughest games we’ve predicted all season. These teams are so closely matched in ability and there’s so much on the line. A draw is a very serious possibility in our opinion, as both teams have the ability to drag this down to the wire with their defensive capabilities. With that said, we do think there will be a winner, if only by a touch. Based on just how many improvements they showed in their last Premier League match and how eager they will be to capitalise, our prediction is a 1-0 win to Bournemouth in an absolute nail-biter.
Our recommended tip: Bournemouth win to nil
This is likely to be a very, very close game. Both will be picking their chances carefully and we don’t think either will loosen up to the point of this turning into a back-and-forth encounter. More likely, one team will get a goal in and then clamp down defensively in order to preserve what is, at this stage, a very precious three points – especially over a team in a similar position. Due to that recent performances and their defensive abilities, we think that team will be Bournemouth. If you want to bet on Bournemouth to win to nil, you can get competitive 3/1 odds from 888Sport.
Previous matches
There’s not many encounters between these two considering they met all the way back in 1971. However, that is largely because there’s been major gaps between their meetings. They traded wins in the early ‘70s, then met 15 years later in 1987 in a draw. Aston Villa pulled ahead the following year in the 2015 FA Cup in what would be their last clash until the modern era. Since then, they have each won two games. Even though Villa have the statistical advantage by a single game, we’d say that history slightly favours Bournemouth based on their 2-1 2019 victory.
Top 3 Premier League Bookies
Players to watch: Aaron Ramsdale & Marvelous Nakamba
Bournemouth: Aaron Ramsdale
This is an encounter where we think the defence might be even more vital to the final scoreline than any other part of the team. If that is to be the case, then the man to watch will no doubt be Aaron Ramsdale. His astonishing performance against Brighton saw him save seven shots, giving his team a platform for victory. If he can hit that level of performance here, then Aston Villa are in trouble.
Aston Villa: Marvelous Nakamba
Sticking with the defensive theme, we’re going with Marvelous Nakamba as our player to watch for Villa. And just like our other pick, he is a player whose tireless efforts at knocking back the opponent’s offence was a major catalyst in the trajectory of their Premier League game, and indeed, their victory. In those 90 minutes, he gained possession 11 times, making him quite literally a game changer.
