Bournemouth

The Cherries are back in the top-flight after an extended absence. They will look to bounce back on a positive note when they open the doors of the vitality stadium to Steven Gerrard and Aston Villa. Bournemouth had a horrid pre-season outing.

In pre-season,the Cherries lost to La Liga outfit Real Sociedad. Bristol City, Braga and could only celebrate one victory against Sheffield Wednesday. Scott Parker made some good signings like Marcus Tavenier and Joe Rothwell. While Marcus Tarvenier is likely to make his debut at the Vitality stadium, Joe Rothwell who is out injured, is likely to miss the season opener.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa have been a better footballing unit since the appointment of Steven Gerrard. The Villans also had a fine pre-season outing and look very sharp going into the new season.

Steven Gerrard and his men will be very positive going into this fixture as there is probably no better opponent to begin the season with. Gerrard will also be buoyed with the fact that they have a full squad to choose from and the likes of Danny Ings and Philip Countinho are ready and raring to go.

Prediction

Though Bournemouth will put up a strong fight, their pre-season woes and lack of quality signings will severely dent their Premier league return beginning with the game against Villa. Aston Villa are quite a formidable outfit and their quality will be too much for newly promoted Bournemouth. This should be three points in the bag for Aston Villa.

Bournemouth 1-3 Aston Villa

Over 1.5 Goals

Aston Villa Asian handicap -1.5