Bournemouth can't afford backward step at Villa

Bournemouth must step up their game against Aston Villa. To lose to Aston Villa at this stage would automatically put the pressure on the Cherries with one point from six against two of the promoted teams from last season. Bournemouth have to battle and use the quality they have in forward positions to give Villa a real taste of what it is going to be like back in the Premier League.

Bournemouth have to cope with the intimidating atmosphere at Villa Park.

While expectations will fill the home crowd it can often work in reverse when things don't start well. Bournemouth can use the frustration of the crowd if Villa can be kept off the ball in the first 20 minutes and they do more defending than attacking. There is no point in warming into the new season and hoping that points will come along, successful teams go at teams and cause problems, which is what I want to see AFCB go and do this weekend.


Both teams have a few players out but there can't be excuses about the players that are available to play. Bournemouth didn't get the balance right in their first game and I'm hoping to see more positive play in the opposition's half, and we know that away games suit Bournemouth's breakaways when the passing is executed well.

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There may be a few changes from last week, but I am not expecting more than one or two players coming in. Perhaps Charlie Daniels was not quite ready last week, but I don't believe Howe can leave him out for much longer. The left wing is the other position where he could bring in Harry Wilson if he leaves Ryan Fraser on the right.

Possible AFCB line up

AFCB Subs: Boruc, Rico, Mepham, Simpson, Surman, Ibe, Solanke

AFCB TV match preview

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