MIDFIELD could be a key target area for Cherries at Villa Park on Sunday, with the hosts missing a number of star men in that position.

All three players who netted when Aston Villa eased to a 3-0 win over Cherries last season will not feature against them this weekend.

Standout central midfielder Douglas Luiz is the most eye-catching absentee, the 25-year-old serving the second of a two-game domestic ban having picked up 10 yellow cards in the Premier League.

Another midfielder ruled out is Jacob Ramsey, expected to miss the rest of the campaign with a foot problem.

Meanwhile, Emi Buendia has not played all season due to a knee concern.

Boubacar Kamara is also ruled out, with both his and former Cherries defender Tyrone Mings’s seasons over following serious knee injuries.

Left-back Alex Moreno is also not expected to take part against Cherries, due to a calf issue.

Despite a lengthy list of absentees, Unai Emery’s Villa are still in fine form, winning 2-0 away at title-chasing Arsenal last weekend.

The Villans sit fourth in the Premier League and face Lille in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals this evening.