Bournemouth vs Aston Villa predictions: Semenyo to star
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- Antoine Semenyo has two goals and one assist in his last four matches
- Aston Villa have conceded eight goals in their last five games
- Recommended bet: Antoine Semenyo to score or assist
The race for Europe is really heating up in the Premier League and two of the big contenders face off when Bournemouth take on Aston Villa.
The Cherries kept their faint hopes of securing a European spot alive with a win over Arsenal last week but need to get the better of the Villans if they are to secure a place in the top seven.
Meanwhile, Unai Emery’s side will be looking to bridge the three-point gap to Chelsea in fifth and return to the Champions League next term.
Team news
Long-term absentees Ryan Christie, Enes Unal and Luis Sinisterra remain out for Bournemouth, while Dango Ouattara faces a late fitness test as he deals with a groin injury.
Striker Marcus Rashford is the only confirmed absentee for Aston Villa with a thigh injury.
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The stats
Bournemouth have been good at upsetting the apple cart this season, as they have won seven of their 13 Premier League games against teams starting the day above them in the table.
Aston Villa have won seven of their last nine Premier League matches, however, and are unbeaten in the previous four league matches against these opponents.
There could be late drama in this fixture. The Cherries have scored the most goals in second-half stoppage time of any team in the top flight, eight, while only Southampton have conceded more than Villa.
Prediction
Bournemouth are five games unbeaten, while Aston Villa have won seven of their last nine league outings, so it is tough to split the two teams as they meet in this crucial clash.
Both teams have scored in eight of the hosts’ last 10 games and the key man for them could be Antoine Semenyo.
The forward has nine goals and five assists this season and only Justin Kluivert has more goal contributions for the Cherries, and he has been in fine form as of late.
Side with the 25-year-old to add to his tally with either a goal or an assist in this one.
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