Follow live coverage as Aston Villa face AFC Bournemouth today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.
The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola’s side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United’s latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year – yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.
Meanwhile, it’s Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Aston Villa vs Bournemouth LIVE: Premier League updates
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Aston Villa XI: MartÃnez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Onana, Tielemans, Rogers, McGinn, Ramsey, Watkins
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Bournemouth XI: Travers, Araujo, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez, Cook, Christie, Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara, Ãœnal
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NO GOAL 27’ – McGinn curls in for hosts but VAR says ball was out of play (0-0)
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GOAL – Barkley scores late on to put Villa ahead
Aston Villa FC 1 – 0 AFC Bournemouth
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:42
Substitution Miloš Kerkez David Robert Brooks
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:42
Substitution Ryan Christie Tyler Shaan Adams
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:42
Yellow Card Antoine Serlom Semenyo
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:40
Bournemouth are readying more substitutes, as they perhaps sense a rare away win could be on the cards. They only have three wins to their name from 13 Premier League road trips this year, but they are one moment of magic away from three points today.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:39
Goal Ross Barkley
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:39
Assist Leon Patrick Bailey Butler
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:38
MISS! Duran puts one wide! When Bailey and Watkins combine down the left, Bournemouth’s defence is briefly opened up. Watkins flicks a first-time pass into the path of his strike partner, but Duran drills it less than a foot past the left-hand post from 12 yards! It was a great chance to win the game!
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:34
Semenyo sweeps a low ball in towards Evanilson in the box, but Digne does well to turn it away with a last-gasp block. Then, Bournemouth build again, before Evanilson flashes a cross-shot along the six-yard box. The visitors are looking a little more threatening now.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:33
Substitution Lucas Digne Ian Ethan Maatsen
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:33
Substitution John McGinn Leon Patrick Bailey Butler
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:33
With his first half-chance since arriving from the bench, Duran continues this season’s shoot-on-sight policy. However, he drags his latest effort low along the turf. Travers drops down to make a routine save.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:31
There’s also a straight swap up front: Evanilson comes on, with Unal jogging off.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:30
With the game finely poised, Iraola makes a double change. First, Kluivert is replaced by Tavernier.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:28
From out on the right, Cash crosses for Watkins in the area. The latter diverts the ball towards the target with his head, but Travers is well placed again. He tips it over the top for another Villa corner – the hosts are pushing hard for a winner.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:26
SHARP SAVE! Travers does it again! Bournemouth’s goalkeeper is called upon to deny Torres, who is allowed to advance unopposed before lashing a 20-yard strike towards the top-left corner. It seems to be heading in, but it’s another excellent save from the Irishman!
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:25
Opta’s live win-predictor now has a Villa victory as its marginal favourite outcome, at 41%. The draw is rated as 40% probability, with a Bournemouth win at just 19%.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:22
When Watkins tries to meet a cross from the left byline by Digne, he instead catches Senesi. The Bournemouth defender drops down to the turf, so Villa’s attack is halted by the referee’s whistle.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:19
Yellow Card Lucas Digne
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:19
Substitution Morgan Elliot Rogers Jhon Jader Durán Palacio
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:17
Yellow Card John McGinn
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:16
After starting the second half with a flurry of half-chances, Villa have now attempted 12 shots in this match – already higher than their season average of 11.7 in the Premier League.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:16
Watkins and Rogers combine again, with the latter teeing up Tielemans for anothet attempt. This time, Zabarnyi gets his head in the way. Then, after the resulting corner, Barkley can only divert the ball over the crossbar with his shin.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:13
Helping out his defence again, Cook covers across and gets a block on one of Tielemans’ trademark 20-yard strikes from a central position. As a result, it spins harmlessy towards Travers.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:11
Tielemans whips a corner-kick into the six-yard box, and Travers emerges through the bodies to punch it away. Two follow-up attempts to cross back into the area are repelled too. Bournemouth are standing strong so far.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:08
Bournemouth kick off, and we are back under way at Villa Park!
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:07
Substitution Amadou Ba Zeund Georges Mvom Onana Ross Barkley
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
16:02
Perhaps this scoreline should come as no surprise, as Bournemouth have now failed to score a first-half goal in seven of nine Premier League games this season – a league high – while they have also stopped their opponents from scoring before the break six times; only Liverpool and Arsenal have done so more often. Iraola and co are still waiting for their first clean sheet on the road, though. Can they hold out until the final whistle today?
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:57
The first half ends 0-0 at Villa Park, as both goalkeepers made crucial saves and the VAR ruled out a potential Aston Villa opener. The hosts’ captain nearly led the way with an excellent finish, but a review decided that Watkins had previously failed to keep the ball in play, so Bournemouth could breathe again. The Cherries were also indebted to back-up ‘keeper Travers for making two superb stops, but they also posed a threat through Kluivert and Ouattara. Villa lead the xG 0.73 to Bournemouth’s 0.17, and they’ve had more possession too, but Emery will surely demand more from his team after the break.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:54
HALF-TIME: ASTON VILLA 0-0 BOURNEMOUTH
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:53
Another pinpoint pass from Torres sets Digne away down the left, but Bournemouth quickly recover and Villa’s attack is snuffed out. They’ve had a lot of help from their goalkeeper, but it’s been a pretty good defensive performance from the visitors, who struggle to keep clean sheets away from home.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:51
Although the ball is apparently drifting wide, Martinez athletically tips away a 25-yard shot by Ouattra, conceding a late corner. Can Bournemouth capitalise and open the scoring before half-time?
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:48
There will be at least four minutes added to this half for stoppages, such as the VAR goal check and several bookings for both sides.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:48
Yellow Card Enes Ãœnal
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:48
CLOSE! Kerkez slings over an inviting cross from the left, which is ever so slightly behind Unal. The striker cranes his neck and glances a good header towards the target, but it zips just a few feet wide of the left-hand post!
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:45
GREAT SAVE! When McGinn nods down a header towards Konsa, who is lurking on the edge of Bournemouth’s box, the latter takes on touch and then lets fly from 20 yards. He catches it beautifully, but Travers flings himself high to make anothet top-class stop! He’s making a great claim to be the Cherries’ number one goalkeeper.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:44
Yellow Card Jacob Matthew Ramsey
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:41
After making a big impact from the bench last week, Kluivert is now growing into today’s game. He cuts inside Cash on the wing, then drives towards the edge of the box, but his shot at goal flies well wide of the left-hand post.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:42
Yellow Card Adam James Smith
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:41
An expert at striding up from the back to play a part in Villa’s attacking play, Torres delivers a teasing ball towards Watkins from the left. The latter can’t quite reach it, however.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:40
Bournemouth are enjoying by far their best spell of this game, as they’ve stepped forward a few yards and are giving Villa much less space to play. For the second time in the last couple of minutes, the Cherries force a corner. Again, though, it comes to nothing.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:38
SAVE! Kluivert hammers a shot towards the top-left corner from just outside the box, and it’s bound for the back of the net. However, Martinez leaps up and parries it away at full stretch! Great strike, and great goalkeeping!
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:38
NO GOAL! The home fans jeer the VAR’s inevitable decision – Villa’s ‘goal’ is ruled out after a review! It was a lovely finish from McGinn, but Watkins didn’t keep the ball in play near the byline, so Bournemouth escape: it stays 0-0 at Villa Park!
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:33
VILLA GOAL!? Ramsey’s low ball across the box is slightly overhit, but Watkins just about keeps it in on the byline. He quickly turns it back towards McGinn, who fires into the left-hand side of the net from 10 yards! However, the VAR is going to check – did Watkins actually keep the ball in play?
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:32
Substitution Julián Vicente Araujo Zúñiga Adam James Smith
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:30
As things stand, Aston Villa’s chances of victory stand at 50%, according to Opta’s live win-predictor – more than double Bournemouth’s 24%.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:29
Goal John McGinn
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:29
Assist Oliver George Arthur Watkins
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:28
Bournemouth clear the corner following that fine Travers save, and they take some time to keep hold of the ball. Eventually, a cross is sent over from the left flank, but Unal’s header drifts well wide under plenty of pressure from Torres inside the six-yard box.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:26
SUPER SAVE! Travers keeps the Cherries level! The latest from Villa’s set-piece playbook catches the visitors out, as Digne lofts a free-kick across to Onana at the back post. The big Belgian midfielder diverts it towards the far corner, but Bournemouth’s stand-in stopper tips it away at full stretch!
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:23
Yellow Card Julián Vicente Araujo Zúñiga
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:23
When Christie sends over an outswinging corner from the left, Martinez arrives through a thicket of bodies and makes first contact. However, under pressure from a couple of Bournemouth players, he spills the ball and Konsa has to quickly mop up.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:19
Ouattara sneaks through to the right byline but is left outnumbered. His low cross looks to be easily cut out, but Konsa almost makes a mess of it before Villa ultimately clear any immediate danger.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:19
Yellow Card Youri Marion A. Tielemans
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:17
SAVE! Travers makes a smart stop! After Ramsey’s drive into the area, Cook cuts out a low cutback. Tielemans picks the ball up, though, before turning two defenders and letting fly with a forceful angled shot towards the near post – Bournemouth’s back-up goalkeeper denies him!
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:17
Villa have had 62% of possession so far, and the hosts are happy to take their time with the ball at the back. They’re hoping to draw Bournemouth out and hit them at pace, with Watkins and Rogers both in top form of late.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:12
An inswinging cross from the left by Kluivert almost meets a few Bournemouth’s bodies inside Villa’s area, but Martinez comes out to claim the ball above everyone else.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:11
Yellow Card Justin Dean Kluivert
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:11
At the end of a quick passing move, Watkins lays a short pass off for Rogers on the brink of Bournemouth’s box, but the latter can’t control his shot which sails well over the crossbar. Villa have started the brightest so far.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:10
With Unal back on the pitch, the action resumes. Watkins slips through a gap on the right side of the area and hits the right byline, but his cutback is blocked after a brief moment of panic between Travers and his defenders.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:07
Curiously, Aston Villa have kept only one clean sheet in the Premier League this season, but they’ve managed three straight shut-outs in Europe following their midweek win over Bologna. Will Bournemouth breach their back line today?
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:06
Yellow Card Amadou Ba Zeund Georges Mvom Onana
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:03
Aston Villa kick off, and we are under way in Birmingham!
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:01
The players are out on the pitch at Villa Park, and kick-off in this Premier League contest is now just moments away!
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
15:01
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott underwent surgery on a knee injury this week, so he is one of four men missing from the XI that started against Arsenal. Most notably, Kepa Arizabalaga drops out of the squad entirely, with Republic of Ireland international Travers stepping in between the posts; Unal and Kluivert join forces up front.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
14:59
Despite scoring on a rare start in midweek, Aston Villa super-sub Duran returns to his regular role on the bench; Watkins – who has played a part in five goals in his last three games against Bournemouth – is back in the first XI. Jaden Philogene serves a one-match ban for his late red card at Fulham, but Villa’s long injury list has recently cleared and he is the hosts’ sole absentee.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
14:59
SUBS: Will Dennis, Dean Huijsen, David Brooks, Evanilson, Tyler Adams, Adam Smith, Marcus Tavernier, James Hill, Max Aarons.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
14:59
BOURNEMOUTH (4-2-3-1): Mark Travers; Julian Araujo, Illia Zabarnyi, Marcos Senesi, Milos Kerkez; Lewis Cook, Ryan Christie; Dango Ouattara, Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo, Enes Unal.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
14:59
SUBS: Robin Olsen, Diego Carlos, Tyrone Mings, Ross Barkley, Jhon Duran, Emiliano Buendia, Ian Maatsen, Leon Bailey, Boubacar Kamara
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
14:59
ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne; Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans; John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, Jacob Ramsey; Ollie Watkins.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
14:59
Last week, Bournemouth condemned 10-man Arsenal to their first loss of the season, and a 2-0 home win took the south coast side up to 11th place in the table. Having got the better of Mikel Arteta, Cherries coach Andoni Iraola now pits his wits against another Basque boss at Villa Park, where Bournemouth have lost on both of their last two visits. They also have only three wins from 13 Premier League away games in 2024 so far.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
14:59
Aston Villa return to domestic duty today, after a 2-0 Champions League win over Bologna in midweek took them top of the table in Europe’s top club competition with maximum points so far. One of only two teams to post nine points from three games – alongside Liverpool – Villa’s quest to qualify for the 2025-26 edition has also started well: they sit fourth in the Premier League table following last week’s 3-1 away victory at Fulham. Across all competitions, Unai Emery’s men have now won eight of their last 10 matches.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
14:59
Hello and welcome to live coverage of today’s Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Bournemouth at Villa Park!
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
14:30
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth – confirmed lineups
13:55 , Karl Matchett
Aston Villa XI: MartÃnez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Onana, Tielemans, Rogers, McGinn, Ramsey, Watkins
Bournemouth XI: Travers, Araujo, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez, Cook, Christie, Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara, Ãœnal
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
13:00
Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…