Our Bournemouth vs Aston Villa prediction is for goals at both ends, with Bournemouth narrowly favoured to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Both clubs arrive in excellent form after big weekend wins, but heavy rotation is expected on both sides. The match kicks off at 10:45pm EAT on Wednesday 28 October at the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth hammered Manchester United at the weekend, while Aston Villa beat Manchester City. With league games again on Saturday, this tie will test squad depth as much as anything else.
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa: Key Facts
- Competition: Carabao Cup, fourth round
- Date: Wednesday 28 October 2026
- Kick-off: 10:45pm EAT (7:45pm UK)
- Venue: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth
- Managers: Marco Rose (Bournemouth), Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
- Third round: Bournemouth beat Lincoln City 4-0; Villa won 3-1 at Coventry City
Bournemouth Form and Team News
Bournemouth are flying under Marco Rose. They have won four in a row in all competitions, including a 3-0 win away at Manchester United on Sunday and a 3-0 Europa League victory over AC Milan. You can read our report on that night in Bournemouth 3-0 Milan.
They reached this stage by beating Lincoln City 4-0 in the third round, with Ryan Christie scoring a hat-trick. Christie is the kind of experienced player Rose could trust again in a rotated side.
On the injury front, Alex Scott is still out with a thigh problem, and Julian Araujo and Alex Toth are also sidelined. Eli Junior Kroupi is back in the squad after a long injury lay-off but is expected to start on the bench. Amine Adli has been working back from a calf problem and his involvement will depend on fitness.
Expect changes
With Leeds to come on Saturday, Rose is likely to make several changes. That does not necessarily weaken Bournemouth much, because the squad has been rotating well in a busy run of Premier League and European fixtures.
Aston Villa Form and Team News
Villa are also in strong form. They beat Manchester City 2-1 on Saturday, with Nicolas Jackson scoring both goals. Our match report is here: Aston Villa vs Man City result. In the third round of this competition, Tammy Abraham scored twice in a 3-1 win at Coventry.
Emery has some notable absentees. Amadou Onana is out with a serious knee injury, Matteo Ruggeri is sidelined with a thigh problem, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is missing with a hamstring injury. Modou Keba Cisse is back in training after a groin issue but may not be ready to start. Ian Maatsen has returned from injury and could be involved.
Rotation is certain
Reports in England suggest Emery will rest several of his weekend starters, with Jackson among those likely to drop to the bench. Fringe players such as Abraham and others who have had limited minutes are expected to get their chance. Villa still have plenty of quality in reserve, which is why this tie is hard to call.
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa Prediction
This looks like an open game between two attacking sides that will both field mixed line-ups. Bournemouth have home advantage and arguably more momentum after back-to-back 3-0 wins, while Villa have scored freely in recent weeks and have strong options from the bench.
With so many changes expected, defensive organisation could suffer, which points towards goals. We also give Bournemouth the slight edge to progress thanks to home advantage and their recent run.
- Main pick: Both teams to score
- Alternative: Bournemouth to qualify
- Correct score lean: Bournemouth 2-1 Aston Villa
Odds move quickly once the line-ups are confirmed, roughly an hour before kick-off, so check the final team sheets before placing a bet. For more of today’s tips, visit our predictions page. Official fixture details are on the EFL website.
Who Else Is Through?
Bradford City and Fleetwood Town have already reached the last eight. Fleetwood’s penalty win over Arsenal was the story of Tuesday night, and you can read about it in our Fleetwood 1-1 Arsenal report. The quarter-final draw takes place after Liverpool vs Chelsea on Wednesday night.
FAQ
What time is Bournemouth vs Aston Villa in Kenya?
The match kicks off at 10:45pm East Africa Time on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
Who is injured for Aston Villa against Bournemouth?
Amadou Onana, Matteo Ruggeri and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are out, while Modou Keba Cisse is a doubt after returning to training.
Who is the Bournemouth manager?
Marco Rose is the Bournemouth manager, and his side have won their last four matches in all competitions.
What is the best bet for Bournemouth vs Aston Villa?
Our main pick is both teams to score, with Bournemouth to qualify as an alternative. No bet is guaranteed, so stake only what you can afford.
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