Aston Villa – Bournemouth

Aston Villa host Bournemouth in what promises to be a pivotal clash in the lower reaches of the table, with Villa languishing in 19th place on a solitary point after three defeats and a 1‑7 goal return. Bournemouth sit a little higher in 15th, also winless but having salvaged three draws and a 6‑7 goal difference from four games. The visitors will look to improve on their three-point haul and close the gap to the relegation‑threatened Villa, while the home side will be desperate to pick up their first win and halt a slide that has seen them concede seven times in as many matches. A draw would keep both clubs within touching distance of each other, but a victory could dramatically reshape the battle for survival.