‘Lacklustre’ midfielder dropped and tricky Jhon Duran decision made - Aston Villa predicted XI vs Bournemouth

Villa will be keen to extend their unbeaten streak to 11 matches as they take on the high-flying Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

The Villans are brimming with confidence following last weekend’s 3-1 win at Fulham and Wednesday’s comfortable 2-0 victory over Bologna in the UEFA Champions League.

Bournemouth have the potential to be a banana skin, however, as Andoni Iraola’s side are 11th in the Premier League after three wins, two draws and two defeats in their opening eight matches.

Emery is expected to make some changes from the starting XI that beat Bologna as a few key players were rotated out to maintain fitness. There’s a decision to be made up front, too, with Jhon Duran vying for a starting spot.

Aston Villa predicted XI vs Bournemouth

Without further ado, here’s the Villa XI we reckon will take on the Cherries.

GK - Emiliano Martinez

Martinez has proved to everyone over recent weeks that he truly is one of - if not the - world’s best. There’s no shifting the Argentine out of the lineup.

RB - Matty Cash

Cash stepped aside midweek and is well rested for Saturday’s fixture. He’s bound to start as he’s Emery’s preferred right-back.

CB - Ezri Konsa

Konsa played at full-back against Bologna but should move back into his favoured centre-half role as that’s been Emery’s priority all along.

CB - Pau Torres

Pau made the costly mistake to let Raul Jimenez through on goal last weekend but responded well in the Champions League.

LB - Lucas Digne

Digne was one of Villa’s star players in the 3-1 win at Fulham and he deserves to regain his spot, even despite Ian Maatsen’s positive performances of late.

RM - John McGinn

The skipper celebrated his 30th birthday week with a goal against Bologna. It makes sense to start McGinn at right midfield ahead of the recently lacklustre Leon Bailey.

CM - Amadou Onana

Onana has settled in so well since his £50 million arrival from Everton. It’ll be interesting to see how Villa operate soon with Boubacar Kamara back, but it’s Onana’s spot to lose.

CM - Youri Tielemans

Tielemans works very well in the double pivot, especially when he’s got freedom to roam a little. He’s been one of Villa’s star men so far this season.

LM - Jacob Ramsey

Ramsey is moving closer to being back to his best after a host of injury struggles. The academy product just needs to start scoring to reach full confidence.

CAM - Morgan Rogers

Rogers, who scored his second goal of the campaign away at Fulham, is in the form of his life. His direct dribbling gives defenders nightmares.

ST - Ollie Watkins

Watkins is back in the goals and scored a superb header at Craven Cottage. It’s tough to keep Jhon Duran on the bench, but the system seems to work better that way.