Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth and Unai Emery’s Aston Villa go head-to-head at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, with both clubs aiming to cap off the campaign by securing a spot in European competition.
Nolan James May 8
Andoni Iraola has worked wonders at Bournemouth, taking the Cherries from relegation outsiders to legitimate European contenders in under two seasons. The Spaniard has not only overhauled the team’s playing style but also raised the squad’s overall quality. With Bournemouth currently sitting eighth in the Premier League with 53 points from 35 games, a late push for a UEFA Europa Conference League spot is alive—though it hinges on Manchester City winning the FA Cup and Chelsea lifting the Conference League title themselves.
Standing in their way this weekend are Aston Villa, who have had their European dreams dented on multiple fronts. Unai Emery’s side crashed out of the Champions League to PSG and were humbled by Crystal Palace (3-0) in the FA Cup semis. They now turn their full attention to the league, where they sit seventh with 60 points from 35 matches. Villa still have to face both Tottenham and Manchester United—two teams possibly distracted by European finals—offering an opening for a strong league finish.
The Cherries are unbeaten in five straight Premier League games, including gritty wins over Fulham (1-0) and a statement 2-1 victory at Arsenal. They've also held Manchester United (1-1), Crystal Palace (0-0), and West Ham (2-2) in that span.
Bournemouth's home record is solid—7 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses—and crucially, both teams have scored (BTTS) in 8 of their last 10 league fixtures.
🧠 Betting Tip:
BTTS – Yes is a strong pick here, with odds likely around 1.70–1.80.
Over 2.5 Goals is also well-backed by trends between these two (landed in 6 of the last 8 H2Hs).
Villa are in great domestic form—5 wins in their last 6 league games—with the only setback being a narrow 2-1 loss to Manchester City. Their recent wins include a thumping 4-1 against Newcastle and clean sheets away to Southampton (0-3) and Fulham (0-1).
Their away form is mixed though: 7 wins, 2 draws, and 8 defeats from 17 road games, with inconsistency making them vulnerable.
🧠 Betting Tip:
Villa to score 2+ goals could be decent value if you fancy them to push the pace.
However, a Draw & BTTS or Exact Score: 2-2 offers higher risk/reward, especially given that two of the last three meetings ended level and both teams have attacking momentum.
Expect goals and an even contest. Neither side is watertight at the back, but both are dangerous going forward.
➡️ Predicted Score: Bournemouth 2-2 Aston Villa
➡️ Best Bets:
BTTS – Yes ✅
Over 2.5 Goals ✅
Correct Score 2-2 (high-value play) 🎯
