This weekend, Aston Villa will go to Bournemouth in an attempt to win back-to-back away Premier League games. That’s probably what they’ll have to accomplish without Ollie Watkins who is injured and with Jhon Duran.
Aston Villa has had a fantastic start to the season, and they will try to maintain it away from Bournemouth.
The Villans have drawn some criticism this season from various quarters because of their away losses under Unai Emery. It has been disheartening to lose three games away from home, especially because they haven’t lost any at home.
The Villans hosted Legia Warsaw midweek, and they successfully advanced to the Europa Conference League’s next round.
The news that surprised fans prior to kick-off against the Polish outfit was that Ollie Watkins was missing from the squad. On that, transcribed by the Metro, Emery said: “We are going to think about only the match on Sunday. At the moment it is 50/50 for Sunday.”
This could see Watkins, who cost Villa £28m, play a part against the Cherries but given the injury he may not be risked.
Why Jhon Duran should start vs Bournemouth
Despite not getting on the scoresheet against Legia, Duran performed well considering a general lack of minutes recently.
On the night, according to SofaScore, he had two shots on target and had one blocked. If it wasn’t for a great save from Kacper Tobiasz he would have grabbed yet another Conference League goal.
Despite only having 28 touches, the Colombian always puts a shift in when it comes to pressing from the front. With five ground duels and one aerial duel won throughout the game he made his presence known. Adding to that with a clearance and a tackle, he was defensively sound throughout.
Although he is young and a raw talent starting in the Premier League is probably coming a bit soon but needs must. Right now he is the only other recognised senior striker other than Watkins at the club which means he’s set to come in.
With pace, power and a great attitude to defend from the front, he has plenty of ability to tap into. Against a Bournemouth side that has struggled at times this season, Duran could have a chance to register his second Premier League goal. After some unsure moments earlier in the campaign, it is good to see him getting back amongst the teamsheet.
