Aston Villa are looking to continue their superb start to the season when they host Bournemouth on Saturday.
Unai Emery’s side are looking to round out their very impressive October by going undefeated in all competitions.
The month began with a massive 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League before a 0-0 draw with Manchester United followed in the Premier League.
Aston Villa beat Fulham 3-1 in their last league fixture and most recently saw off Bologna in Europe to match a Champions League record.
The Midlands outfit now face Bournemouth knowing another three points this weekend could see them climb as high as second in the Premier League table and to within one point of top spot if results go their way.
Emery is likely to make changes to his Aston Villa side vs Bournemouth but whatever eleven he puts out will fancy their chances against the Cherries.
Paul Merson predicts Aston Villa vs Bournemouth
Bournemouth secured a shock 2-0 win over Premier League title chasers Arsenal in their last outing.
But the Cherries are only 11th in the league after suffering three defeats, including one against newly-promoted Leicester City.
On paper, Aston Villa should be favourites for this game but when making his prediction for Sportskeeda, Paul Merson backed a 1-1 draw and claimed Villa’s inclusion in the Champions League could hamper them as they looked ‘flat’ in their last league match they played after competing in Europe.
He said: “This is a hard game for Aston Villa. After the win against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, they looked flat against Manchester United that weekend.
“Villa managed to get a good 2-0 win over Bologna in midweek and now they face Bournemouth.
“They’re at risk of the same thing happening here. Villa have been phenomenal in the Champions League and are currently top of the table! But this is where it starts getting tough, it’s a true test of whether they can balance both campaigns together.
“Bournemouth secured that impressive win over Arsenal last time out and can never be underestimated. That’s why I believe it’s a really tough game for the hosts. If Villa end up winning this, what a brilliant result for them. But I don’t think it’s as easy as some people make it out to be.”
How Aston Villa can avoid Manchester United repeat vs Bournemouth
Villa did manage to secure a 0-0 draw vs Manchester United despite not being at their best.
And if they want to avoid looking ‘flat’ for this game, it is likely all Emery will have to do is make a couple of changes to his starting line-up.
Ollie Watkins started on the bench in midweek so his return to the eleven on Saturday will freshen things up.
Villa winger Jaden Philogene is suspended for Bournemouth as well after being sent off versus Fulham, so a rare start for Leon Bailey should give Emery and co. another boost just in case there are any tired legs from the Champions League.
