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Bournemouth are all set to host Aston Villa in the fourth round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday at the Vitality Stadium.
Both Bournemouth and Aston Villa are heading into this fixture on the back of impressive wins in the league and will be hoping to build on it when they square up against each other.
The Cherries smashed Manchester United 3-0 away from home and managed to climb up to 13th in the Premier League. While they didn’t have the best of starts to the campaign, they have gained some serious momentum in recent weeks.
Bournemouth have won each of their last four games without conceding a single goal. Their 3-0 win over AC Milan and United are two results that will give them a lot of confidence. While Aston Villa won’t be a walk in the park, the Cherries certainly have it in them to cause problems for Unai Emery’s team.
Meanwhile, Villa are ninth in the Premier League with 11 points in their eight outings, and they have been in fine form of late. Emery’s team have been unbeaten in their last seven official games, winning six of those fixtures, and they are heading into this one on the back of a 2-1 win over Manchester City.
While City dominated the ball, Villa made the most out of the chances that came their way. They will now look to build on it and make it to the next round of the EFL Cup. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Bournemouth remain without the services of Julian Araujo, Alex Toth, and Alex Scott because of injury. All three of them are out with thigh issues.
The Cherries are expected to rotate, which means there will be significant changes to their XI for this EFL Cup fixture. Eli Junior Kroupi, who has just returned from injury, could make a substitute appearance here.
The home team are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Michele Di Gregorio starting in goal. Adam Smith and Julio Soler should occupy the full-back positions, while James Hill is expected to partner Bafode Diakite in central defence.
Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie are likely to form the midfield double pivot, providing defensive cover while helping Bournemouth build their attacks. Ben Gannon-Doak and Amine Adli should operate on the flanks, with David Brooks taking up the attacking midfield role behind Alvaro Rodriguez.
With several changes expected, Bournemouth will look to maintain their attacking intent while giving some of their regular starters a rest.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Smith, Hill, Diakite, Soler; Cook, Christie; Gannon-Doak, Brooks, Adli; Rodriguez
The visitors remain without the services of Aaron Wan-Bissaka (thigh), Amadou Onana (knee), and Matteo Ruggeri (thigh).
Unai Emery is expected to shuffle his pack for this cup fixture, but he will certainly stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation, where Marco Bizot will take charge in goal.
Lamare Bogarde and Tyrone Mings should feature as the full-backs, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis is expected to partner Pau Torres in the heart of the defence.
The back four will be eyeing a clean sheet, and they will receive significant support from Ross Barkley and Leon Goretzka, who are likely to form the midfield double pivot, providing a balance of defensive cover and forward progression.
Ibrahim Mbaye and George Hemmings should operate on the flanks, with Emiliano Buendia taking up the attacking midfield role behind Brian Madjo.
With several changes expected, Villa will look to maintain their usual attacking approach while allowing their fringe players to make an impression.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Bogarde, Harwood-Bellis, Torres, Mings; Barkley, Goretzka; Mbaye, Buendia, Hemmings; Madjo
Buendia was one of the standout performers for Unai Emery’s team last season as he finished with 20 goal contributions in his 54 outings. He played a massive role in their Europa League triumph as he had two goal contributions in the semi-final 2nd leg as well as in the final.
While he is yet to light up the new season, he does have three goals in his 12 outings. Buendia will be eager to add to his tally against Bournemouth and help his team get to the next round.
Bournemouth head into this fixture in excellent form, having won their last four games without conceding, but Aston Villa have also been impressive under Unai Emery. The Cherries should pose a threat with their attacking intensity, although the expected rotation could disrupt their rhythm.
Villa, meanwhile, have the quality and experience to take advantage of any defensive lapses, with Emiliano Buendia capable of making a difference in the final third. Both teams have reasons to be confident, and their recent results suggest this could be an entertaining cup tie.
Bournemouth’s home advantage should help them create opportunities, but Villa’s winning momentum and attacking quality could prove decisive. Expect the hosts to put up a fight, although the visitors may just have enough to secure their place in the next round. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-2 win for the away team.
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