Ross Barkley must start vs Bournemouth after stunning stats emerge before Aston Villa showdown
Ross Barkley boasts an incredible record against Bournemouth ahead of Aston Villa’s match against the Cherries.
After Villa’s 2-0 win against Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday, Unai Emery is aiming to continue his side’s good form in the Premier League.
However, up against Bournemouth, the Spaniard no doubt faces a challenge at Villa Park on Sunday, with the Cherries fifth in the division.
Yet, Barkley could be the secret weapon the Birmingham outfit needs to ensure they pick up all three points.
Ross Barkley has seven goal contributions against Bournemouth
Barkley has had a tough start to the season at Villa. The midfielder had been injured for much of the campaign, and only made his first appearance against Burnley in October.
On top of this, there has been plenty of debate surrounding Barkley’s future at Villa Park, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
This is despite Barkley being routinely praised last season at Villa, with Roberto Martinez labelling the midfielder as a ‘Champions League level player’ after his winner in the 3-2 victory over RB Leipzig last season.
However, with plenty of matches still left before now and May, the midfielder will be hoping to prove a point to Emery.
Now, the Bournemouth match may be the perfect opportunity to do this. According to BBC Sport on 7 November, Barkley has only been involved in more Premier League goals against Newcastle than he has against Bournemouth.
- Barkley has four goals and three assists against Bournemouth in the Premier League
- This has resulted in three victories in nine league games for the midfielder against the Cherries
- Now, Barkley will be aiming to continue this streak on Sunday
To date, the former Everton star has netted four times and picked up three assists against the Cherries.
The last goal contribution came in Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth last season at Villa Park.
As a result, given his history against the Cherries, Emery simply has to give him the nod to start.
Barkley has proven time and time again that he is able to add game-changing quality against Bournemouth, and there is no reason why he should be omitted from the starting XI on Sunday.
- Read more: Aston Villa star finally succeeds vs Maccabi Tel Aviv after every Unai Emery chance – This is why
Aston Villa’s head-to-head record against Bournemouth
Aston Villa boast a good recent record against Bournemouth.
The Birmingham outfit are unbeaten in their last five outings against the South Coast side, including their 1-0 victory over Bournemouth in May.
| Aston Villa’s head-to-head record against Bournemouth | |
| Wins | 7 |
| Draws | 3 |
| Losses | 5 |
Their last defeat came in 2022, which was part of a four-match losing run against the Cherries.
However, Emery will now be looking to continue his fantastic record against Bournemouth on Sunday.
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