Aston Villa vs Bournemouth Lineups: Predicted XI & Team News

Few Premier League matchups this season carry the tactical intrigue of a Unai Emery side facing Andoni Iraola’s high‑pressing Bournemouth. When these two meet at the Vitality Stadium on 7 February 2026, the lineups will tell half the story – the other half is about who’s fit enough to execute the game plan.

Match Date: 7 February 2026 · Venue: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth · Kickoff Time (GMT): 15:00 · Referee: TBC · Aston Villa Last 5: W‑D‑W‑L‑W · Bournemouth Last 5: D‑W‑L‑D‑W

Here are the essential match facts.

What are the predicted lineups for Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth?

Aston Villa predicted starting XI

Unai Emery is expected to keep faith with his preferred 4‑2‑3‑1 system. The backline should feature Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen, with Emiliano Martínez in goal (Yahoo Sports). In midfield, Amadou Onana partners Douglas Luiz, while Jadon Sancho and Morgan Rogers support Ollie Watkins up front.

Bournemouth predicted starting XI

Andoni Iraola has a surer hand after BBC Sport confirmed a lineup of Petrovic; Truffert, Cook, Hill, Senesi; Scott, Jimenez; Adli, Kroupi, Rayan; Evanilson. The 4‑2‑3‑1 shape is standard this campaign, with Evanilson leading the line and Kroupi pulling strings behind him.

Formation analysis

Both managers favour a 4‑2‑3‑1, but the differences lie in pressing triggers. Iraola’s Cherries rank among the highest for high turnovers, while Emery prefers compact mid‑block transitions (WhoScored). The battle between Bournemouth’s double‑pivot (Scott‑Jimenez) and Villa’s Onana‑Luiz partnership could decide midfield dominance.

The implication: Both managers will need their wide players to track back and exploit the spaces left by the opposition’s attacking full‑backs.

Where can I watch AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa?

US viewers can stream the match live on Peacock (NBC’s streaming platform), while UK fans need a Sky Sports subscription. Kickoff is 15:00 GMT (10:00 ET, 07:00 PT). The official Premier League match centre also provides live updates and lineups.

The match has not been subject to any official delays as of publication.

Who will win between Bournemouth vs Aston Villa?

Six facts tell the story:

• Form: Aston Villa W‑D‑W‑L‑W, Bournemouth D‑W‑L‑D‑W (Premier League)
• Head‑to‑head (last 5): Villa 3 wins, Bournemouth 2 (BBC Sport)
• Expert pick: Sports Mole projects a 2‑2 draw (Sports Mole)
• Betting odds: Villa slight favourites at ~7/5, Bournemouth ~2/1, draw ~12/5 (via Oddschecker)
• Key attacker: Ollie Watkins (9 league goals) vs Evanilson (8) – Premier League stats
• Defensive record: Villa have kept 4 clean sheets, Bournemouth 3

What this means: A draw is a strong possibility, but Villa’s quality in attack gives them a slight edge.

Who played for Aston Villa and Bournemouth?

At least two current players have ties to both clubs. Nathan Baker spent two seasons at Villa (2015‑2017) before moving to Bournemouth, where he made 52 appearances (Transfermarkt). Jordon Ibe started at Villa’s academy and later featured for Bournemouth between 2016‑2020. No current squad member has played for the other side in league competition.

What is the latest team news and injury updates?

Aston Villa – Emi Buendía remains out with a long‑term knee problem. Tyrone Mings is doubtful after a minor setback in training (BBC Sport). 17‑year‑old midfielder Kadan Young traveled with the squad but is not expected to start.

Bournemouth – The Cherries are without Tyler Adams (knee), Ben Gannon‑Doak (hamstring), and also Justin Kluivert, Marcus Tavernier, Julio Soler and David Brooks according to Yahoo Sports. Adam Smith remains unavailable after a head injury sustained in the previous match (Sky Sports).

“Bournemouth are managing several injuries but still field a strong starting XI. The depth of the squad will be tested.”

—— Sports Illustrated (Bournemouth vs. Aston Villa preview)

“Unai Emery has rotated his squad in recent weeks, but the core of Martínez, Konsa, Torres, Luiz and Watkins is expected to start at the Vitality.”

—— BBC Sport (Team news article)

Between injuries and tactical adjustments, both managers face forced choices. For Bournemouth’s Iraola, the absence of Adams and Tavernier removes key pressing and crossing options. Emery, meanwhile, must decide whether to start Mings or rely on Torres’ ball‑playing ability. The trade‑off is clear: Mings offers aerial dominance, Torres offers build‑up control.

Related reading: **West Ham vs Manchester United F.C.: Live Score, H2H, Prediction** · **Barcelona vs Real Madrid Standings: Head-to-Head & La Liga**

For readers wanting more detail on how the lineups performed, the full match report offers a comprehensive breakdown of the 1-1 draw.

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