2026-2027 Carabao Cup, Bournemouth vs. Aston Villa: Probable Lineups

The Vitality Stadium will host the match between Bournemouth and Aston Villa, scheduled for tonight at 8:45 p.m. The two teams are vying for a spot in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals after comfortably advancing from the previous round: the Cherries handed Lincoln City a 4-0 defeat, while the Villans beat Coventry 3-1. Both teams head into the match in high spirits following Premier League victories over Manchester United and Manchester City, by scores of 3-0 and 2-1, respectively.

Marco Rose is expected to use the cup match as an opportunity to give playing time to several players who haven’t seen much action. Former Juventus goalkeeper Di Gregorio is expected to start, while Adam Smith could retain his starting spot on the right wing. In midfield, Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook are candidates to start, while up front, Álvaro Rodríguez is expected to be preferred over Evanilson. Junior Kroupi, back from a long layoff, could start on the bench. Alex Scott, Alex Tóth, and Julián Araujo remain unavailable.

Unai Emery is also expected to make several changes to the starting lineup. Bizot is expected to start in goal, while Pau Torres could retain his spot in defense despite the lineup shake-up. In midfield, all eyes are on Leon Goretzka, who could make his first start for Villa. Up front, young Brian Madjo is set to lead the attack. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Amadou Onana, and Matteo Ruggeri will not be available.

Probable Lineups

BOURNEMOUTH (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Smith, Hill, Diakite, Soler; Cook, Christie; Gannon-Doak, Brooks, Adli; Rodríguez. Head Coach: Marco Rose.

ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Bogarde, Harwood-Bellis, Pau Torres, Mings; Barkley, Goretzka; Mbaye, Buendia, Hemmings; Madjo. Head Coach: Unai Emery.