Aston Villa aim to protect third spot as Bournemouth’s form tests top four credentials

Aston Villa travel to the Vitality Stadium this weekend to face Bournemouth in a Premier League fixture that arrives at a delicate moment in their season.

Unai Emery’s side are looking to respond after last weekend’s defeat to Brentford, a result that allowed the gap at the top of the table to widen.

Villa’s loss at home was a significant setback, particularly given their strong position in the title conversation earlier in the campaign.

That defeat has increased pressure on Villa to show a reaction, both in performance and result.

If they are to remain credible contenders at the top end of the table, these are the fixtures they will be expected to win with authority.

Standing in their way is a Bournemouth side enjoying a sharp resurgence after a difficult mid-season slump.

The Cherries have put an 11-game winless run firmly behind them and arrive unbeaten in four Premier League matches.

Recent victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, combined with a convincing win at Wolverhampton Wanderers, have lifted Bournemouth into mid-table.

Andoni Iraola’s side are now closer to the European places than the relegation zone, a remarkable turnaround from their position earlier in the winter.

Their renewed confidence has been driven by a more aggressive attacking approach and improved control in midfield.

However, Bournemouth have continued to show defensive vulnerabilities, particularly from set pieces, which could offer Villa encouragement.

The hosts will also be aware that they have struggled in recent meetings with Aston Villa, failing to win any of the last six league encounters.

Villa, meanwhile, arrive on the south coast searching for consistency after an uncharacteristically uneven run of results.

Three defeats in their last six league matches have slowed momentum and slightly loosened their grip on the top four.

The loss to Brentford was especially frustrating, with Villa unable to capitalise despite playing against ten men for an entire half.

Questions have since been asked about Villa’s cutting edge, with goals proving harder to come by in recent weeks.

There is some relief in travelling away from Villa Park, where Emery’s side have been far more reliable this season.

Villa boast one of the strongest away records in the Premier League and have regularly impressed on the road.

They also carry the confidence of a dominant 4-0 victory over Bournemouth earlier in the season.

Still, this fixture represents a different challenge against a team rediscovering belief and rhythm.

The question now is whether Villa can deliver the convincing response their season demands.