Andoni Iraola and Unai Emery(Image: AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)

Aston Villa will look to return to winning ways on Saturday when Unai Emery’s side travel to Bournemouth.

When Villa kick off at the Vitality Stadium, their buffer to fourth-placed Manchester United could be just two points if Michael Carrick’s team beat Tottenham beforehand.

Villa will, however, have the opportunity to move 10 points clear of sixth-placed Liverpool, with the Reds hosting Manchester City later. A win over Bournemouth would also see Villa move up to second place.

After losing their last two home league games, Villa are in need of a result on the south coast, with around seven more wins required to give themselves a strong chance of finishing in the top five come May.

Bournemouth harbour their own hopes of competing for European football in the coming weeks and are only three points off seventh place.

Andoni Iraola is expected to be without several players through injury this weekend.

Justin Kluivert is sidelined for months due to a knee injury, while Marcus Tavernier is also expected to miss the weekend as he nurses a muscle problem.