Aston Villa Face Nervous Wait On Several Players’ Fitness Ahead Of Bournemouth Clash

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery will be hoping for some positive injury news as his side prepares for Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth – with some late fitness tests required.

Villa head down to the South Coast in mixed form after some disappointing results.

They were beaten 1-0 at home by Brentford on Sunday, having also lost to Everton at Villa Park.

But wins against Newcastle and Tottenham in the league and FA Cup, as well as Champions League victories against Salzburg and Fenerbahce, means it’s been far from disastrous for Villa in recent weeks.

However, they remain seven points off league leaders Arsenal, failing to capitalise on the Gunners’ own recent slip-ups.

Villa saw a bid rejected for Barcelona striker Ferran Torres on Deadline Day, but did bring Tammy Abraham back to the Midlands during the January window.

The Villans are looking to complete a league double over Bournemouth this weekend.

They thumped the Cherries 4-0 at Villa Park in November, and will be keen for a repeat result.

But Unai Emery faces a few selection headaches, with Villa’s injury problems continuing.

Aston Villa Injury News Ahead Of Bournemouth Clash

Star striker Ollie Watkins missed last week’s win against Salzburg with a hamstring issue.

It’s not thought to be serious, meaning he could yet be available against Bournemouth.

Ollie Watkins came off holding his hamstring this evening

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New arrival Alysson is yet to make his debut due to injury, but is also in contention for the weekend.

Andres Garcia, however, will remain out for the next few weeks.

Likewise, John McGinn is not expected back from his knee injury until March.

And Youri Tielemans may not return until later, in a big blow for Villa.

Boubacar Kamara’s injury is the worst of the lot, though. The midfielder is out for the season after suffering a serious knee injury against Tottenham last month,

How Will Aston Villa Line Up Against Bournemouth?

As for how Villa will look this weekend, Emery does still have options.

Emi Martinez will continue between the sticks, with a back four probably featuring Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen.

Amadou Onana was left on the bench last weekend, but is expected to start against Bournemouth.

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Partnering him in midfield should be Douglas Luiz, with Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia further forward.

Jadon Sancho and Leon Bailey will compete for the right wing spot.

Up front, Ollie Watkins should start if fit, but Tammy Abraham could start if there are doubts over Watkins’ fitness.

Predicted Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Luiz; Sancho, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins.

Villa’s game against Bournemouth kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday at the Cherries’ Vitality Stadium.