AstonVilla, under the direction of UnaiEmery, enters the League Cup match against Bournemouth with a streak of seven games without defeat and with the recent victory over Manchester City in the Premier League. The Birmingham squad, which has won its last four games, seeks to extend its dominance in the competition and consolidate its position in the table, despite being only nine places away from the Champions zone.
The Birmingham club began its good season with a resounding 3‑0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, and the victory against City the previous day gave it additional impetus. The team, which has remained unbeaten in seven games, now faces a Bournemouth side that has its French striker EliJuniorKroupi back after a foot injury that required surgery in July. Kroupi, 20, has returned to training with the group after three months of rehabilitation and could return to the playing field, although he is not expected to start the game.
Bournemouth, who eliminated Coventry City 3-1 in the previous round, will have an eleven that includes DiGregorio as goalkeeper, and players like Smith, Hill, Diakite and Soler in defense. In the center of the field are Cocinero and Christie, while in attack they will line up Gannon-Doak, Brooks and Adli. Forward Rodríguez will also be available, although his participation will depend on the coach's decision.
For its part, AstonVilla will present a lineup that includes Bizot in goal, with Bogarde, Harwood-Bellis, Torres and Mings in defense. In midfield, Barkley and Goretzka will mark the connection between defense and attack, while Mbaye, Buendía and Hemmings will complete the forward line. The Spanish coach, UnaiEmery, has maintained the same strategy that has worked in recent games, seeking to take advantage of the defensive solidity and speed of his forwards.
The match will be played at the Vitality Stadium at 8:45 p.m., with Tony Harrington as referee. Villa, who are ninth in the Premier League, are just four points off the Champions League places, adding pressure to the need to maintain their unbeaten run. Bournemouth, for their part, are looking to take advantage of Kroupi's absence in the starting eleven and look for a victory that will allow them to advance in the competition. The result of this match could determine the direction of both teams in the season and their position in the Premier League table.