The competition for European qualification is intensifying in the Premier League as Bournemouth and Aston Villa, two strong contenders, prepare to clash.
Bournemouth revived their slim chances of securing a European spot by defeating Arsenal in their last match. To keep their hopes alive, they must overcome Aston Villa and secure a spot in the top seven.
On the other hand, Unai Emery's team aims to close the three-point gap to fifth-placed Chelsea and secure a spot in the Champions League next season.
Team news
Bournemouth will be without long-term absentees Ryan Christie, Enes Unal, and Luis Sinisterra, while Dango Ouattara is facing a late fitness test due to a groin injury.
Aston Villa's only confirmed absentee is striker Marcus Rashford, who is sidelined with a thigh injury.
The stats
Bournemouth have been adept at causing upsets this season, winning seven out of 13 Premier League matches against teams higher in the table.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa has been in superb form, winning seven of their last nine Premier League games and maintaining an unbeaten streak in their last four encounters against Bournemouth.
Expect late drama in this match as Bournemouth has scored the most goals in second-half stoppage time in the league (eight), while Villa has conceded more goals in this period than any other team except Southampton.
Prediction
Both Bournemouth and Aston Villa come into this crucial game in good form, with the former being undefeated in five matches and the latter winning seven of their last nine league games.
With goals expected from both sides, Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo could play a crucial role. The forward, who has nine goals and five assists this season, has been in impressive form recently and could make a significant impact in this match.
Backing the 25-year-old to either score a goal or provide an assist seems like a wise choice for this fixture.