Key occasions
Andoni Iraola talks to Sky, and starts with the most recent at the injured Dango Ouattara. “He felt a small injury in the adductor … it is not too big but we are talking a couple of weeks from the end of the season so it it going to be difficult for him to play again … let’s hope the ones starting today have good performances … he was in a great moment … playing very well … gives us a lot of energy … but it happens to all the teams … if you were to ask Unai about Tielemans he will say the same … so we have to adapt … it is about using the players we have available … I am confident and I trust the players … it is always difficult when you face Aston Villa … always well organised … they will put you in trouble … physical … but we are also in a good moment … we are two teams finishing the season strongly.”
A charmingly expressive Unai Emery speaks to Sky Sports. “Good afternoon … [raises voice disconcertingly] Europe! Europe!! EUROPE!!! … [back to normal levels] it is very important to be in Europe … Champions League is not in our hands … but if we win today maybe we can have more chances to be there … we are going to fight for everything … we have enough players ready to play … OK, there is no Rashford, but it is time for Watkins! … there is no Tielemans but there is time for Barkley! … for Onana! … for Kamara! … we have enough players to suit and to play with our identity.”
Meme attainable of that “Europe!” triple yell: 9.5/10.
The 3pms have all completed, and it’s no longer the most efficient information for Bournemouth. Big wins for Brentford (1-0 at Ipswich) and Brighton (2-0 at Wolves) imply the Cherries were nudged right down to 10th spot. It can have been worse, had Fulham no longer misplaced 3-1 at house to Everton. Bournemouth can reclaim 8th position via profitable this night.
The one different consequence this afternoon brings hope for Aston Villa, regardless that. If we settle for Arsenal are just about just right for a Champions League spot, the remainder struggle is between 5 groups for 3 closing puts … and Manchester City’s wonder failure to overcome Southampton – it ended goalless at St Mary’s – raises the potential for this actual race concertinaing up excitingly forward of the overall two fits. Villa will insert themselves snugly in the event that they declare all 3 issues this night.
Bournemouth make 3 adjustments to the workforce that began the 2-1 win at Arsenal this time ultimate weekend. Antoine Semenyo, Alex Scott and captain Adam Smith go back to the beginning line-up; Julián Araujo and Justin Kluivert drop to the bench, whilst Dango Ouattara is injured.
Aston Villa make 4 adjustments after their 1-0 victory over Fulham ultimate Saturday. Tyrone Mings, Jacob Ramsey, Lucas Digne and Amadou Onana are again; Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen and captain John McGinn drop to the bench, whilst ultimate weekend’s goalscoring hero Youri Tielemans is out for the season.
The groups
Bournemouth: Arrizabalaga, Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez, Adams, Cook, Semenyo, Scott, Tavernier, Evanilson.
Subs: Dennis, Senesi, Brooks, Kluivert, Soler, Jebbison, Araujo, Hill, Winterburn.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Kamara, Onana, Rogers, Asensio, Ramsey, Watkins.
Subs: Olsen, Disasi, Barkley, McGinn, Torres, Garcia, Malen, Maatsen, Bailey.
Referee: Stuart Attwell.
VAR: Chris Kavanagh.
Preamble
This week we’ve observed the enjoyment† that European pageant can deliver. So you’ll guess your backside buck that either one of those golf equipment will fancy a slice of that candy Uefa pie subsequent season. As issues stood initially of the day – and we’ll reassess when the 3pms have completed – Aston Villa are just right for the Conference League, whilst eighth-placed Bournemouth are out of the qualification spots. But Villa are nonetheless inside placing distance of a spot within the Champions League subsequent season, whilst 8th might be just right sufficient for the Cherries offering Manchester City win the FA Cup and Newcastle stay within the best six. So it’s all to play for this night at Dean Court. Kick-off is at 5.30pm BST. It’s on!
† Well, that and the gut-wrenching distress, however Arsenal have had it tough of overdue so let’s go away them to lick their wounds in peace.