Unai Emery makes Ollie Watkins’ choice, rewarding “8/10” defence – Aston Villa’s expected starting lineup vs AFC Bournemouth

Here’s the Aston Villa lineup we predict will face AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League – including a decision for Ollie Watkins.

Aston Villa head out on the road this weekend as they take on AFC Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Thrilled after securing qualification for the next stage of the Europa Conference League, Unai Emery’s men now must turn their focus back to the Premier League ahead of a tough week.

Three matches in six days await, with the Villans playing host to Manchester City and Arsenal after their trip to the south coast. Bournemouth, albeit the easiest of the three oppositions, could still pose a threat as they have won nine points out of the last 15 available.

The Cherries started the season extremely poorly but wins over Burnley, Newcastle United and Sheffield United have lifted them well out of the relegation zone. Confidence will also be high for Andoni Iraola’s side, making this a potential banana skin for Villa.

Emery will no doubt show plenty of respect to Bournemouth this weekend with a strong lineup but the presence of one key man in the XI is unlikely. Here are the 11 players we think will start on Sunday.

1. GK – Emi Martinez

Given a night off against Legia midweek and will undoubtedly move back into the XI this Sunday.

2. RB – Ezri Konsa

Moves across to right-back to allow Matty Cash to have a rest ahead of an incredibly busy week. Konsa has, touch wood, been the more reliable of the two fitness-wise.

3. CB – Diego Carlos

Had probably his best game yet away at Tottenham and deserves to start in the league again. Enabled to do so by Konsa’s position change.

4. CB – Pau Torres

Didn’t play a single minute against Legia so is fresh and ready to go again. Pau will be full of confidence after a strong showing at Spurs.

5. LB – Alex Moreno

Scored his first goal for the club on his first start of the season, earning an 8/10 in our player ratings vs Legia. Moreno deserves to play once again, even despite Lucas Digne’s form this season.

6. RM – John McGinn

Could do with a rest at some point but is so crucial to this Villa side and will be the first to say he wants to carry on through tired legs.

7. CM – Youri Tielemans

Stays in the XI following a vast improvement over the last few weeks. Moves into central midfield due to Boubacar Kamara’s suspension for accumulating five yellow cards.

8. CM – Douglas Luiz

Makes the team tick in midfield and things just don’t seem to flow anywhere near as well when he’s absent. Also a danger from set pieces, as proven by assists in back-to-back games.