Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been dealt a crushing midfield blow ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Villa Park.

The Cherries head north on the back of a brilliant 2-0 victory over 10-man Arsenal last weekend, where Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert came off the bench to score in the second half.

Both men are strong candidates to return to the first XI here, especially Christie after Bournemouth announced on Thursday that Alex Scott had gone under the knife to address a knee injury.

Christie should certainly be a straight swap for the stricken Scott, while Kluivert's game-changing cameo should see him rewarded with a recall to the starting lineup, likely in place of Dango Ouattara; Luis Sinisterra is out with an unspecified problem.

The Dutchman would comprise part of a familiar attack with Antoine Semenyo, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson if that is the case, while Lewis Cook welcomes Christie back into the engine room.

Tyler Adams is now an option again, but the American should be phased back into action gradually, while Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marcos Senesi, Ilya Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez start in defence.

However, Julian Araujo only lasted until half time in the win over Arsenal before being replaced by Adam Smith, who will likely replace his more junior colleague from the first whistle on Saturday.

Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson

> Click here to see how Villa could line up for this clash