Aston Villa idol issues Steven Gerrard warning after confirmed news
Aston Villa must start the 2022-23 season with a win away at Bournemouth, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer warned Steven Gerrard his side have a tough start to the 2022-23 campaign.
The Premier League confirmed their fixtures for next term earlier this month (17 June) with Villa starting the season with a trip to Bournemouth on 6 August.
They then face Everton in the first home game of the season then Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park before West Ham visit Villa Park.
A trip to Arsenal then rounds off a busy August which will also include a second round tie in the Carabao Cup.
“Bournemouth away won’t be easy but you would think they would be nervous in the first game back in the Premier League,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I remember we played Bournemouth away in the first game of the season and it was so hot around that time. August 6, it will be very hot around that time and that can work against the players.
“Villa’s team have got experience in the Premier League now, Bournemouth haven’t. It’s a game you would expect Villa to win and it’s a must-win.
“You then look at Everton and Crystal Palace, they are going to be tough games.
“Gerrard and every manager will want to get that first win as soon as possible, it sets you up well for the season.”
Aston Villa last faced Bournemouth in the 2019-20 Premier League season when the Cherries won both fixtures 2-1.
The south coast club were relegated that season and spent two campaigns in the Championship before earning promotion as runners-up in 2021-22.
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