Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Bournemouth and Aston Villa may be neighbours in the Premier League standings—in eighth and seventh place respectively—but the reality is that there’s a clear divide between them, with a seven-point gap. With just three fixtures remaining, that difference is all but unbridgeable.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth are still mathematically in the hunt for a Europa League spot, but realistically, it's a long shot. For it to happen, both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest would need to lose all their remaining games—an outcome that borders on improbable. They are unbeaten in their last five league games, though they’ve only managed two wins in that stretch. One of those victories came in dramatic fashion—a 2:1 comeback away at Arsenal, where they converted both of their shots on target into goals.
Aston Villa
That level of clinical finishing is something Aston Villa will need to be wary of, despite their strong recent form: five wins from their last six Premier League outings. That run began in early March. Since then, the only setbacks have come against Manchester City in the league (1:2), Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals (1:3), and Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals (0:3)—all away fixtures.
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa Prediction
Indeed, since April began, Aston Villa have managed just one win on the road, suffering three defeats during that span. Given that patchy away form, there’s every reason to believe Bournemouth can come away from this match with at least a point.
