Bournemouth

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport senior journalist

Aston Villa will be attempting a sixth home win in a row in all competitions on Sunday (14:00 GMT) at the expense of a Bournemouth side in danger of losing back-to-back games for the first time this season. BBC Sport explores some key themes ahead of the fixture.

Villa struggling up front

A third Europa League victory from four matches on Thursday maintained Aston Villa's recovery from their longest winless start to a season since 1969. Their home record remains formidable, with 20 wins, seven draws and only one defeat – against Crystal Palace in August – from the past 28 fixtures at Villa Park.

Nonetheless, Villa's attacking deficiencies remain. Their tally of nine league goals is the fewest by an Unai Emery-led side after 10 top-flight matches of a season. They'd scored 17 times at this stage last season, and 26 the year before that.

Striker Ollie Watkins, left out of the latest England squad, is rightly under scrutiny for a return of one goal and no assists in 17 games since his winner away to Bournemouth in May. His faltering form is inextricably linked to a wider team issue, with Villa ranking near or at the bottom for a number of attacking metrics in the Premier League this season.

Villa have also lost possession in their defensive third on a league-high 48 occasions prior to the weekend fixtures, and their tactic of playing the ball short from the back will be severely tested by Bournemouth.

Bournemouth press aggressively

The Cherries have consistently been the most active pressers in the Premier League under head coach Andoni Iraola. Data analysts Opta measure the intensity of a team's press using a metric called passes per defensive action (PPDA). It divides the number of opposition passes outside of the pressing team's own defensive third by the number of defensive actions by the pressing team in those areas of the pitch. A lower figure indicates a higher level of pressing intensity and Bournemouth's PPDA of 9.9 is the lowest in the division, as it was last season.

Consequently, Bournemouth rank second only to Brighton for high turnovers – winning the ball in open play 40 metres or less from the opponent's goal. Iraola's side have also scored five goals from counter-attacks, the most in the division prior to the weekend.

Bournemouth's aggressive high press means opponents are launching long passes to avoid giving them a chance to win the ball in dangerous areas. Only Liverpool, who also press high, have faced more long passes this season, but Aston Villa puzzlingly opted not to adopt that tactic during their defeat at Anfield last weekend. A rethink may well be needed by Unai Emery if Villa are to extend their unbeaten league run against Bournemouth to six games.

Image source, Getty Images

On the latest episode of Cherries Unpicked, there's debate over who Andoni Iraola should select to lead Bournemouth's line at Aston Villa on Sunday.

In Friday's news conference - which you can read about below - Iraola explained he has a full squad to choose from, though the Spaniard explained he isn't sure both Junior Eli Kroupi and Evanilson can feature in the same team at this stage, implying Kroupi may need to get more used to English football before he can sustain the physical demands of playing in a role behind Evanilson.

Kroupi has four goals in three league starts, while Evanilson has one in seven.

On Cherries Unpicked former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington said: "If it was me I'd bring Evanilson back in if he's fit. I know Kroupi has scored a lot of goals. I just feel Villa's defence are quite a presence - having said that so are Palace's and Kroupi scored two - so I think Bournemouth have a bit more control of the ball if Evanilson plays up against Konsa.

"Villa's line are pretty strong and stubborn. I feel Evanilson could hurt them. Maybe Kroupi isn't as able to play up against defenders as Evanilson but he has an eye for goal and if Bournemouth can sustain enough possession near Villa's box then Kroupi can come alive.

"I think Evanilson being on the pitch for me just feels like it makes Bournemouth a little bit stronger and gives more presence. It's hard to argue against goals and Kroupi has scored goals. But in terms of what they bring to the team my opinion is to go with Evanilson. I hope he can contribute with some goals that cement the fact he is playing well and doing a good job for the team.

"I think you go with Evanilson if he's fit. If Kroupi is not playing, he'd be rightfully upset but I think for the greater good of the team I would go with Evanilson."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Aston Villa at Villa Park (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Antoine Semenyo, Tyler Adams and Alex Jimenez have all overcome fitness issues, so Iraola has the same group to select from as last week.

• With a fit squad, would it be possible for Evanilson and Eli Junior Kroupi to play in a two-striker system?: "I think they could play together. I think both are number nines. I think they are both strikers. I remember doing it with Unal and Solanke in some games. But I don't think most of the games we can fit them both in. The way we play, the demands for the number 10 defensively are very big. I think Junior could do it but he will need time to adapt. But it's not impossible."

• On Alex Scott's England call-up: "I'm pleased for him. He has been playing very well. Everyone was really excited for him this morning. In the beginning of the season he was also good for the England Under-21s. I am also pleased for the club, for his team-mates. Everyone around the club was happy as even if it's an individual call, we felt it collectively and there is a recognition of playing for Bournemouth. If you do well you can have this reward."

• Offering more on Scott: "I think Alex, the two seasons with us has had three knee injuries. He hasn't had a long run of games where he could play the level he is lately. To play in the summer with England put him in a perfect place for pre-season. He arrived strong, did a good pre-season and won his place in the team. He has strong competition in those positions. I think this period without any issue has been very good for him."

• Asked if sending Scott on loan during earlier years was ever pondered: "We have never had doubts about his level. Probably we used him as a 10, more forward. Once he got more adapted, his best position now is a number eight, in the midfield. It's easy to say now but we have never had any doubt about his level."

• On the challenge Villa present: "You know more or less what they are going to do, but they do it very well. We need our top-level performance if we want to beat them because the level of the game is going to be very high."

• Iraola has urged his side to be mentally strong this weekend, stating: "I think we have to learn from the games like Man City away and Liverpool away. Last week when we conceded to be 2-1, straight away we conceded more chances and you can throw the game away. At Villa Park it will be like this. If they score a goal or have a big chance, they put you under pressure and If you are not focused and panic you can throw the game in five minutes. I hope we are ready mentally and trust ourselves to show a strong personality as it is not an easy place to play."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to Aston Villa v Bournemouth on Sports Extra 2 here

How to follow the Premier League on the BBC this weekend

The latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Cherries: Unpicked podcast is now available.

Jordan Clark is joined by former Bournemouth player Joe Partington to look ahead to Sunday's trip to Aston Villa and debate whether Evanilson or Eli Junior Kroupi will get the nod up front.

The team also reflect on last weekend's defeat at Manchester City.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

England boss Thomas Tuchel says Alex Scott's performances have earned the Bournemouth midfielder his first senior call-up and that he wants to see his "talent and personality" in the camp.

The Three Lions take on Serbia (13 November) and Albania (16 November) in World Cup qualifiers, having already secured their spot at next summer's tournament.

"Alex deserves to be with us," Tuchel said. "I first saw him closely in the Euros with the Under-21s where he was excellent together with Elliot Anderson.

"Since then, he has stepped up really well and is a regular starter for Bournemouth.

"He has come a long way and has performed his way into this nomination.

"He will get a number eight role and hopefully he can prove us right and show us his talent and his personality."

Image source, Getty Images

England boss Thomas Tuchel has named his 25-man squad for the final time this year ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

The Three Lions have already secured qualification.

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle).

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).

Image source, Getty Images

With the countdown to the Celebrity Traitors final under way, we asked you which Bournemouth player or manager - past or present - would make the best traitor and faithful.

Here are some of your comments:

Andrew: Harry Redknapp is a shoo-in as the traitor. In fact, they should get him to appear in the next series. Steve Fletcher is surely a faithful - along with Keith Miller, who didn't follow John Bond to Norwich City.

Chris: Faithful - Antoine Semenyo right now. Lots of interest in him this summer but signed a new contract and is now talk of the town! Traitor - Ryan Fraser. He rejected a short-term contract extension in the Covid year in case he risked being injured. His form also just dropped off completely as soon as Arsenal showed a bit of interest.

Matt: Traitor has to be Fraser - not afraid to spoil the game for others and 'murdered' the Bournemouth team by refusing to play and contributing to our relegation in 2020. Faithful has to be Adam Smith - been at the club so long and helped us up through the leagues. Great on the attack and a great 'shield' from wingers. A faithful to the end.

Paul: Fraser will forever be the biggest traitor at the Cherries. Fletcher, of course, is the most faithful of faithfuls.

You can watch the final of The Celebrity Traitors live from 21:00 GMT on BBC iPlayer

Image source, BBC/Studio Lambert

Challenges. Leaders and followers. Tactics. Second guessing and wondering where to turn next.

This could be any game of football in the Premier League this weekend.

It is also the plot to any episode of BBC's hit show - The Traitors.

The countdown to the end game of the Celebrity series is on, but, while we wait for that, we want to know which Bournemouth player (or manager) - past or present - you think would make the best traitor, and who would be more suited to the role of a faithful.

Was it the way they could appear at the back post without anyone noticing? Or could they stop anybody getting past them?

Get in touch with your choices and the reasons why here

The Celebrity Traitors final will air on Thursday, 6 November on BBC One and iPlayer

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

While Sunday's defeat at Manchester City removed Bournemouth's possession of the longest unbeaten run in the Premier League, dropping them from second to fifth in the tightly-knit early season table, fans will be more than satisfied with the first quarter of the season.

After 10 games, it would have been beyond anyone's realistic expectations that the only two defeats Andoni Iraola's side would have suffered, would have been Liverpool (away) and Manchester City (away), two away venues that, when combined, have produced 19 defeats, a solitary draw and no wins since the Cherries' first promotion to the Premier League in 2015.

One or two bumps and bruises aside, Iraola also has the luxury of a pretty much fully fit squad from which to pick at the moment.

While Bournemouth's terrific run in late January/early February last season came when injuries meant the starting XI was virtually picking itself, Iraola now has plenty of options, while having to leave one or two players disappointed at not even making the bench.

At the core of last season's success was the central midfield axis of Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie, with Justin Kluivert ahead of them in the number 10 role. This term, all three missed pre-season with injuries, and have faced a battle to regain their regular places.

However, all three are capable of playing in varying roles. At Etihad Stadium when right-back Alex Jimenez took a knock and had to come off, with the Cherries chasing the game, Cook came on at right-back (where he had to play during last season's injury crisis), rather than specialist right-back and club captain Adam Smith who remained an unused substitute.

In a long season, opportunities will come. Tyler Adams is on four yellow cards (one short of a suspension), while Jimenez, David Brooks and Marcos Senesi are on three apiece.

Iraola has also shown he is not afraid to make "horses for courses" selections, such as opting for Veljko Milosavljevic over Bafode Diakite at centre-back to deal with Nottingham Forest's physical threat, yet restoring Diakite against City.

The Cherries now travel to Villa Park on Sunday – and could go into the next international break anywhere between second and 11th.

Tom Jordan
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth were somewhat forced into bringing in a number of new bodies into the squad this summer after plenty of stars departed, but amid the constant praise for many of the outfield players, it's time the new man in between the sticks gets some attention.

Djordje Petrovic was signed from Chelsea following the exits of Neto, Mark Travers, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, whose loan at the club came to an end. Neto wasn't always convincing but brought valuable experience to a young group, Travers always deputised impressively, and Kepa was part of the club's highest-ever points total in the top flight. Big gloves to fill for Djordje then.

In the past decade, where Bournemouth have spent the majority of their time in the Premier League, many keepers have come and gone, but in Petrovic, it feels as if the Cherries may have found their number one for many years to come.

At only 26, Petrovic is at the ideal age for a goalkeeper, bringing in a solid amount of experience as well as plenty of room to improve, and currently, he is impressing the Bournemouth faithful.

The Serbian number one has chalked up four clean sheets in his opening 10 Premier League games for the club and has made some key saves in crucial moments throughout. His commanding presence from set pieces alone has also made for pleasant viewing.

Artur Boruc, Aaron Ramsdale, Asmir Begovic, and Kepa have all claimed and impressed as the Cherries' number one in recent years, but in Petrovic, maybe Bournemouth have found their best yet.

Find more from Tom Jordan at Back of the Net, external

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Man City and Bournemouth.

Here are some of your comments:

Man City fans

Gene: A much better performance against a much better team with crisp, smart passing and better attacking. Rayan Cherki is getting more confident and showing creativity while Matheus Nunes has improved quite a lot as a right-back. They need to continue to build upon the teamwork and will gel as time goes on as the competition gets harder.

Anton: City will beat any team that come to play and not defend with a low block. My only gripe is poor set-pieces. They need a better set-piece coach.

Charlie: I thought the first-half performance by City was the best I've seen from them in 18 months.

Harry: There's nothing I can say about Erling Haaland that hasn't already been said. He makes me incredibly proud to be a Man City supporter and we have to cherish everything he does for us. Cherki is an absolute bargain and so unselfish - he's going to be a major asset. Besides the corner, Gianluigi Donnarumma was a stalwart in goal. So many positives but credit to Bournemouth, who were absolutely fearless at the Etihad and could have had more in the first half. Bring on Liverpool.

Bournemouth fans

Peter: Would have expected Veljko Milosavljevic to have started against Haaland as Bafode Diakite has already showed he struggles against big forwards like Jean-Philippe Mateta. Great to see Tyler Adams finally on the scoresheet, but Bournemouth will play better against Aston Villa next week. Now we have players back and the motivation to play better than we did against City, which was a tad disappointing. That shows how far this team has come.

M: It was OK. Some players were off it. We looked very open in defence and not much happened in attack. Antoine Semenyo had moments but was quiet. We need to be more aggressive going forward against teams like City.

Bob: Poor defensive tactics, why was Haaland given so much room?

Tim: Bournemouth's high line let Haaland in twice and injured Alex Jimenez was out of position for the third. However, there is so much to admire about Bournemouth. Upwards and onwards.

Pundits Michael Carrick and Rob Green join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• West Ham 3-1 Newcastle - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Manchester City 3-1 Bournemouth - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is Athletic Club's preferred option to become their manager if Ernesto Valverde does not renew his contract with them beyond next summer. (La Razon - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the defeat at Etihad Stadium: "If you are going to get something from these kind of games, you need something special.

"In the first half, we pressed like we always do. They found our backs with the first two goals very well. You have to accept that sometimes when you play like this, they will punish us. I'm pleased with the performance overall.

"[Erling] Haaland is that good, he is in great form and it is very difficult to defend against him. We didn't want to change the way we were playing. He punished us two times because the timing wasn't there from our centre-backs.

"We started quite well. We fought and got to 1-1 but then came a lovely moment from them. In the second half, we were probably controlling more of the game, we were playing well and had two chances.

"Now we have another difficult game up next. The Premier League is very demanding and everything is super tight."

Bournemouth winger David Brooks also spoke to Sky Sports about the performance: "It was always going to be a tough game against Manchester City. It has probably been the hardest week to prepare for. We knew we had to come here and be the best version of ourselves, but a few minor details cost us.

"We looked to press but Manchester City are extremely comfortable on the ball. In the first half, we created a lot of opportunities for ourselves through the press but the big man up top for them - Erling Haaland - is always going to be a threat. It's almost impossible to prepare to face him. He is 6ft 5in, he is strong and he is a massive threat when the ball is falling to him. He took his chances well.

"The game got away from us in the end. The way we started shows where we are as a team and squad, there is no fear."

Did you know?

• Bournemouth have only won two of their past 11 Premier League away games (D5 L4), conceding two or more goals in eight of those matches.

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth sold a number of their key players this summer, but such has been their togetherness this term that this was only their second defeat after losing to defending champions Liverpool on the opening day.

If young forward Eli Kroupi had just held his run to meet David Brooks' cross and stay onside in the first minute, they might have just got something from the game.

But they were eventually overpowered by a Manchester City side as strong as they had been in this campaign, especially going forward.

The trio of Antoine Semenyo, Marcos Senesi and Marcus Tavernier all made their 100th appearances for the club, but could not prevent their side's eight-game unbeaten run coming to an end.

Bournemouth's dismal record against City has now seen them lose 16 of their 17 meetings, their only joy coming in a home victory last season.

But Andoni Iraola's men have enjoyed their best start to a top-flight campaign - and their enterprising play, determined approach and lack of fear should offer hope for the remainder.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Manchester City's performance

What did you make of Bournemouth's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola returns to a full strength side following his side's Carabao Cup win at Swansea City during the week.

There are eight changes in all with Phil Foden making his 200th league appearance for City. He will play alongside Frenchman Rayan Cherki.

Gianluigi Donnarumma is back in goal with captain Bernardo Silva also starting.

Tijjani Reijnders, a firm starter all season, is on the bench alongside the likes of John Stones, Omar Marmoush and the returning Rodri, who has not played since suffering a hamstring injury at Brentford a month ago.

Manchester City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Gonzalez, Silva, Cherki, Foden, Doku, Haaland

Bournemouth make two changes after beating Nottingham Forest last time out.

Bafode Diakite and David Brooks come in to the side, with Veljko Milosavljevic and Justin Kluivert dropping to the bench.

Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Jimenez, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert, Scott, Adams, Brooks, Tavernier, Semenyo, Kroupi

There are two games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• West Ham v Newcastle (14:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Manchester City v Bournemouth (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times GMT

Follow West Ham v Newcastle here

And go here for Man City v Bournemouth

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Newcastle" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Bournemouth".

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Manchester City have won all eight of their home Premier League games against Bournemouth since 2015, scoring 31 goals and conceding five, but I still don't think anyone will be overly confident they will beat the Cherries this time.

City have been so reliant on their big number nine and their big goalkeeper this season, and that has to change. They need other players to step up.

It also feels like Pep Guardiola is making a mistake in choosing to ignore the rise in the importance of set-pieces and City are the only Premier League team to not score from one this season.

He says he wants to focus on creating more chances in open play, but it is proven that corners and throw-ins work so my advice to Guardiola is that it might be time for him to get some big players in and launch it!

I'm tempted to go for Bournemouth to get at least a draw here, because they will cut through City and get some chances, but instead I'm going to be brave and back Erling Haaland and City - mainly because they are at home but also because they have Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.

Bournemouth will score, but City will win. I've got Cherries keeper Djordje Petrovic in my Fantasy team at the moment, so I need to move him out.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here