Match preview

AFC Bournemouth (17th, 3 pts) host Aston Villa (16th, 4 pts) at Vitality Stadium on Saturday 2 January, kick-off 17:30.

AFC Bournemouth are in mixed form, having drawn 3 and lost 2 of their last five league games (scored 6, conceded 8). Aston Villa are looking for a response, having won 1, drawn 1 and lost 3 of their last five league games (scored 4, conceded 9).

The last league meeting, in February 2026, finished AFC Bournemouth 1–1 Aston Villa.

Varless AI expects around 1.7 goals for Bournemouth and 1.3 for Aston Villa, making Bournemouth 46% to win, the draw 25% and Aston Villa 28%.