Emery axes John McGinn in three changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Bournemouth
Unai Emery could make three changes to his Aston Villa side to face Bournemouth on Saturday, with John McGinn potentially set to drop to the bench.
The Villans are looking to build a positive run of form at the Vitality on 10 May, a week after the win against Fulham last time out.
An early goal from Youri Tielemans proved to be the difference as the B6 club continued their pursuit of a top-five finish in the Premier League.
As Emery looks to build towards a Champions League place, they will be keen to secure a win away against the Cherries, but could do so without captain McGinn.
McGinn axed for Aston Villa v Bournemouth
Despite being linked away from Villa Park this week, Emi Martinez is likely to start once again after he made three saves and kept a much-needed clean sheet against the Cottagers [FotMob].
One change could be utilised ahead of the Argentine with Ian Maatsen potentially set to drop out for Lucas Digne after the 31-year-old won 100 per cent of tackles last time out as a substitute.
The Frenchman could be set to join Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres at the back, with the latter maintaining a 98 per cent pass accuracy in B6.
Emery could once again rely on Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara to perform for the trip to the south coast after the French midfielder won six duels and contributed nine defensive actions last time out.
Ahead of this duo, Marco Asensio and John McGinn could be set to drop out, with the Villa skipper failing to win a tackle while only completing 25 per cent of his attempted crosses against Fulham.
| Stat | Marco Asensio |
| Accurate passes | 13 |
| Dispossessed | 1 |
| Touches in opposition box | 2 |
| Duels lost | 2 |
This could see both Jacob Ramsey and Donyell Malen start against the Cherries after the latter hit the bar with one of his three shots in 19 minutes in his last outing.
This pair could line up alongside Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, who may be in line to start once more despite the striker’s two big chances missed at Villa Park.
Aston Villa must win v Bournemouth
Aston Villa have a shocking record against the Cherries away from home, but need to change the tide if they want to qualify for the Champions League.
After coming away with a huge three points against Fulham, there is no reason why that won’t be the case once again.
Emery needs the likes of Watkins and Rogers to step up in Marcus Rashford’s absence to help build a positive run of form in B6.