Aston Villa starting XI v Bournemouth predicted by BBC Sport pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton expects Unai Emery to name an unchanged starting line-up for Aston Villa versus Bournemouth at Villa Park on Saturday, 18 March.
Last time out, as Villa drew 1-1 away at West Ham, Emery made one change and that was to bring Leon Bailey into the side to replace the injured Boubacar Kamara.
John McGinn switched into a central role at the London Stadium on 12 March and Hutton feels as though the Scot will remain in that position when Bournemouth are in town this weekend.
“I don’t think there’s an awful lot of changes Emery can make,” Hutton told Villa News.
“There have been one or two injuries that have led to John McGinn playing in central midfield with Boubacar Kamara.
“There’s not a lot of need to tinker.
“They’re in a good run of form at this moment in time, so there’s no need to upset it unless he has to.”
According to Premier Injuries, Villa will be without Philippe Coutinho and Jed Steer against Bournemouth on Saturday while Leander Dendoncker and Kamara are rated at 50:50.
The Cherries, on the other hand, will be without Junior Stanislas while Illia Zabarnyi, Marcus Tavernier, Hamad Traore and Adam Smith are rated as doubts.
In other Aston Villa news, a “silly offer” could lead to Ollie Watkins quitting Villa Park in the summer.