Aston Villa predicted XI vs Bournemouth as Watkins and Onana face tests

Aston Villa head into Sunday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth with several selection questions to resolve, as Unai Emery weighs up late fitness calls and midfield balance following a mixed run of results.

Villa are aiming to complete a league double over the Cherries for the first time, having dismantled them 4–0 at Villa Park in November. However, recent home defeats have added pressure to deliver another composed performance away from home.

Emery’s side arrive at the Vitality Stadium after a stop-start sequence of results. A home defeat to Everton was followed by an impressive win at Newcastle, but that momentum stalled again with a narrow 1–0 loss to Brentford last weekend.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, are trending in the opposite direction. Andoni Iraola’s team have won three of their last four league games and have also picked up five wins in their last seven against teams starting the day inside the top three, underlining their threat against stronger opposition.

Emiliano Martínez is expected to continue in goal, with Villa likely to stick to a familiar back four of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen.

The biggest midfield question surrounds Amadou Onana, who was left on the bench against Brentford due to muscle fatigue. If he is cleared to start, he is expected to come straight back into the XI. Douglas Luiz should again feature in central midfield, potentially alongside Onana or Lamare Bogarde depending on fitness and tactical preference.

Further forward, Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendía are tipped to operate in support roles. Jadon Sancho is in line to retain his place on the right, though Leon Bailey’s bright cameo off the bench last time out gives Emery a genuine decision to make.

Ollie Watkins remains the most significant doubt. The striker is set to undergo a late fitness test and, if passed, is expected to lead the line ahead of Tammy Abraham, who impressed on his debut.

Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Luiz; Sancho, Rogers, Buendía; Watkins.

This fixture marks the start of a demanding stretch for Villa as the race for European qualification intensifies. A positive result away from home would help steady recent inconsistencies and reinforce confidence ahead of upcoming league and cup commitments. Much will depend on Watkins’ availability and whether Emery opts for control in midfield or greater attacking thrust out wide.

Should Emery stick with experience if Watkins is fit, or give Abraham another start after his encouraging debut?