Bournemouth vs Aston Villa match preview: Micah Richards with much to prove, Silvain Distin with less so
A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at the Vitality Stadium
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Your support makes all the difference.It’s a big game for…
Micah Richards. The former Manchester City man left the Etihad for Fiorentina last season but has returned to the Premier League under Tim Sherwood’s management. Adept at both right back and centre-half, the Englishman will want to force himself into Roy Hodgson’s plans having not played for the Three Lions since 2012.
Best stat…
457: In Sylvain Distin, Bournemouth have one of the most experienced Premier League campaigners around, having played 457 games during his time at Newcastle, Manchester City, Portsmouth and Everton. His knowledge of the league should prove vital should Bournemouth defy the odds and stay up this season.
Remember when…
Aston Villa beat Bournemouth 2-1 in January on their run to the FA Cup final. They will be hoping for more stunning goals like this one from Carles Gil which set them on their way
Player to watch…
Matt Ritchie: The Scotsman’s remarkable rise from League 2 to the Premier League was marked by a superb year last season in which he played a hand in 32 goals (15 goals and 17 assists). Villa will have to keep an eye on the AFC Bournemouth wideman.
Past three-meetings…
Aston Villa 2 (Gil, Weimann) AFC Bournemouth 1 (Wilson), FA Cup, January 2015
AFC Bournemouth 1 (Goalscorer Unknown) Aston Villa 2 (Daley, Platt), League 2,March 1988
Aston Villa 1 (Walters) AFC Bournemouth 1 (Goalscorer Unknown), League 2, October 1987
Form guide…
Aston Villa Pre-Season: LDWDDD
AFC Bournmouth Pre-Season: WWLDWLD
Vital information…
KICK-OFF TIME: Saturday, 3pm
TV: Highlights on BBC1
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