Kick-off: 1500, 06/08/2022
Stadium: Vitality Stadium
The pressure will be on Steven Gerrard when Aston Villa kick off their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth.
Villa struggled for results at the back end of last season, but the former Rangers boss has splashed the cash again.
They should have too much quality for the top-flight newcomers and an away win at 2.0 is our first Bournemouth vs Aston Villa prediction.
Bournemouth Odds
Bournemouth returned to the top flight last season as Scott Parker guided the Cherries to automatic promotion from the Championship.
Stars like Nathan Ake, Aaron Ramsdale and Callum Wilson departed after relegation two seasons ago and, after losing in the play-offs in their first attempt at promotion, former Fulham manager Parker came in and got the job done with a young squad.
The likes of Dominic Solanke and Philip Billing starred for Bournemouth, who have brought in Premier League experience in the form of Parker’s ex-team-mate Ryan Fredericks following the full-back’s departure from West Ham.
Middlesbrough midfielder Marcus Tavernier looks another decent addition for £12.5million, while Joe Rothwell was solid for Oxford and Blackburn.
Bournemouth’s home form could be key to their hopes of retaining their top-flight status and, looking at their first few fixtures, they will be targeting the opener with Villa.
The Cherries face Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool after this contest.
Bournemouth have won their last three meetings with Villa, all by a 2-1 scoreline, and they netted in 21 of their 25 home fixtures last term.
But Gerrard has a squad packed with talent now and an away win with both teams scoring is Bournemouth vs Aston Villa odds.
Aston Villa Odds
Gerrard made an instant impact at Villa following the sacking of Dean Smith after five consecutive defeats.
Four wins in his first six matches, with the only defeats coming against Manchester City and Liverpool, steadied the ship before Villa tailed off.
They won six of their last 21 matches, losing 10, meaning Gerrard needs a good start to the season.
The Villa hierarchy have also backed the ex-England and Liverpool skipper in the transfer market this summer.
Having already paid big money for France left-back Lucas Digne in January, Villa have turned Philippe Coutinho’s loan spell into a permanent stay and beat off competition to sign highly-rated duo Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos.
The latter told Villa’s official website: “I can’t believe I’m here, because it’s a dream to compete in the Premier League.
“And now I have a very clear opportunity, I hope to give it 100 per cent my best, and to be able to play to the best of my ability.”
Results are needed and they could get a few early doors, with Everton, Crystal Palace and West Ham to follow Bournemouth.
Gerrard’s side have goals in them and a 2-1, 3-1 or 4-1 away win at 5.5 completes our Bournemouth vs Aston Villa betting tips.
Additional stats
Head-to-head: Bournemouth 2-1 Aston Villa, Aston Villa 1-2 Bournemouth, Aston Villa 1-2 Bournemouth, Bournemouth 0-1 Aston Villa, Aston Villa 2-1 Bournemouth
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