Unai Emery is eager to face Andoni Iraola as Aston Villa prepares to welcome Bournemouth in the Premier League. Bournemouth, despite a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, are fifth in the standings, just a point from second place. Villa sits in 11th after four consecutive wins were halted by a 2-0 loss to Liverpool. They bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League.
Bournemouth has been impressive with their attacking play, having 24 shots on target in away matches this season, second only to Chelsea's 29. Emery anticipates an aggressive approach from Bournemouth both with and without possession on Sunday. "They are performing fantastically," Emery stated. "The work he [Iraola] is doing, all the professionals there with the head
coach, it's really fantastic. "
Aston Villa's home form has been strong, losing just once in their last 23 home league games. Only Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal have accumulated more home points than Villa over the past two seasons. They have also remained unbeaten against Bournemouth in their last five encounters.
Emiliano Martinez will be under scrutiny after his mistake led to Mohamed Salah's goal in Villa's recent loss at Liverpool. Since joining Villa for the 2020-21 season, Martinez has made seven errors leading to goals. Meanwhile, Bournemouth's Adrien Truffert leads the league with 33 overlapping runs and ranks high for underlapping runs and off-ball movements into the attacking third.
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott received a call-up to Thomas Tuchel's England squad, which Iraola sees as a testament to his performance and development at Vitality Stadium. "I am pleased for him," Iraola said. "I think he has been playing very well. " Scott's inclusion highlights his contributions both at club level and during the under-21 Euros.
wins from our last matches in all competitions. pic.twitter.com/OOGI0cwGPU Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 7, 2025
Match Prediction and Statistics
Aston Villa is predicted to win with a probability of 51%, while Bournemouth stands at 24.1%, and a draw at 24.9%. The hosts have scored first in their last two home games and won both times against Burnley and Man City. Under Emery, they have an impressive record of winning when scoring first at home.
The lads react to @AlexScott_7's first-ever senior @England call up pic.twitter.com/pxRYHD2Ff1 AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) November 7, 2025
Villa aims to maintain their strong home form against Bournemouth on Sunday. The Cherries have not won at Villa Park in their last three visits after winning their first two away games there. With both teams showcasing competitive performances this season, fans can expect an engaging match-up between these sides.
