Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
Bournemouth welcome Wolves to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as both sides look to return to winning ways.
Bournemouth
Starting with the hosts, coming off the back of a pair of defeats against Cardiff and Liverpool prior to the break, Bournemouth will be glad to make a return to the Vitality this weekend. Still looking to secure back to back top half finishes in the Premier League, Eddie Howe’s side have undoubtedly saved their best performances for the South Coast. Unbeaten in their last four top-flight matches on home soil, a run that stems back to the start of December, the Cherries also picked up a very impressive 4-0 win over Chelsea last month. In fact, Bournemouth have won 24 of their 33 points at home this season, equivalent to 73% – the second-highest such percentage in the division. One man who has really spearheaded their charge at the Vitality is the in-form Josh King. Bagging a brace against Chelsea last month, six of King’s eight goals and all three of his assists were recorded on the South Coast.
Team News
Bournemouth remain without injured pair Callum Wilson and David Brooks, while Junior Stanislas faces a fitness test on a thigh problem.
Charlie Daniels is back after missing out at Liverpool for personal reasons and loanee Nathaniel Clyne, who was ineligible at Anfield, also returns.
Wolves
As for the visitors, booking their spot in the quarterfinals of this year’s FA Cup, the mood in Wolves’ camp couldn’t be any higher. Now sat seventh in the table and firmly dreaming of securing European football this season, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are now unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions. One area most impressing fans around Molineux will be Wolves’ recent form away from the Midlands. Putting three past Everton in their last appearance on the road, the Oranges’ 3-0 defeat at defending champions Manchester City last month is their only away defeat in their last five Premier League away games. Wolves will also travel to the Vitality filled with confidence after picking up a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture back in December. While Bournemouth have one man enjoying a fine run of form, Wolves have their own striker enjoying a purple patch. Leading goalscorer Raul Jimenez has bagged 13 goals for Saturday’s visitors, including three in his last four Premier League appearances.
Team News
Diogo Jota is available for Wolves, having recovered from the dead leg that ruled him out against Bristol City.
Matt Doherty was substituted because of a knock in the last game but is fit.
Star midfielder Ruben Neves, who featured as a substitute last weekend, is set to reclaim his place in the starting line-up.
Key Factors to Consider
- The Cherries have won their last two home games by an aggregate score of 6-0.
- They have never won three successive Premier League home matches without conceding a goal.
- Eddie Howe’s side have won 24 of their 33 points at home this season, equivalent to 73% – the second-highest such percentage in the division
- Wolves have won three of their last five Premier League away games (D1, L1), as many victories as in their previous 25 games on the road.
- Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have scored 74% of their Premier League goals in the second half of games this season, a league-high.
Conclusion
While Wolves have continued to impress on their return to the Premier League, they will certainly face a stern test given Bournemouth’s recent performances at the Vitality. With both sides playing a very attack minded style of play, chances should be expected at either end of the pitch. Along with having two leading men enjoying a fine run of form, we’re backing both teams to find the net on Saturday afternoon.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
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