Predicted XI: How Should AFCB Line Up For The EFL Cup Clash Vs Aston Villa?

The EFL Cup isn't in the stage where this is a 'must win' game yet in terms of being close to the semi final stage, so rotation should be prioritised by Marco Rose ahead of 3 more huge games before the next International break.

That being said, there is more than enough quality in the rotation options to give an Aston Villa side that may also be heavily rotated, a very good game. 

Many players in this team will have a point to prove to Marco Rose, and will be keen to show the head coach why they should be playing more regular minutes. 

GK: Michele Di Gregorio: The Italian is yet to concede a goal for AFC Bournemouth in his 2 appearances since joining the club on loan from Juventus in the summer, and will see this game as a good opportunity to continue his good form in between the sticks for AFCB.

LB: Adrien Truffert: He is one of the fittest players in the AFC Bournemouth squad, so should be fresh and ready to perform against Aston Villa. If needed, Julio Soler could come on around the hour mark to save Truffert's legs before Saturday's game against Leeds.

CB: Antonio Silva: With Milosaljevic still working his way back up to full fitness, there isn't a left sided centre back that is ready to come in for Antonio Silva. He is one of the most experienced players in this squad at playing 2 games a week, so should continue his fine form tomorrow.

CB: Bafode Diakite: Since the appointment of Marco Rose, Diakite looks a lot more comfortable at the back, whether that is in central defence or at right back, and this is the perfect game for him to add to his confidence.

RB: James Hill: With Juanlu out of favour and Max Aarons playing the full 90 minutes for the development squad on Monday, the only 2 options were James Hill and Adam Smith. Smith needs to be managed more, and James Hill is a great subsititute for him.

CM: Lewis Cook: Was excellent against Manchester United, and will be key to stopping a strong Aston Villa midfield.

CM: Ryan Christie: The Scottish international only played 25 minutes on Sunday, so will be fresh to be the energy in the middle for AFCB tomorrow evening.

10: Justin Kluivert: With Junior Kroupi getting closer to full fitness, this is the perfect game for both to play 45 minutes. It allows Kroupi to build up sharpness and fitness, and Kluivert to lead the press from the off.

LW: Amine Adli: The Moroccan hasn't started since returning from injury, and this will also give Marcus Tavernier a well deserved rest.

RW: Ben Gannon-Doak: Rayan looked explosive against Manchester United, with Doak coming on and having a great impact too. 60 minutes from Doak with Rayan coming on as a finisher is a great option for Rose to have tomorrow.

ST: Alvaro Rodriguez: Rodriguez has looked more promising in his last few cameos off the bench, and Evanilson also deserves a rest before Leeds on Saturday.

This team allows Petrovic, Smith, Adams, Tavernier, Rayan and Evanilson to all rest and recover for Saturday, and having them on the bench will allow Cherries to always be in the game tomorrow.