Bournemouth welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Vitaly Stadium as both teams look to continue their battle for a top six spot.
Currently locked on 16 points apiece, whoever wins could climb to fifth depending on other results around them and the loser risks dropping into the bottom half of the table.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesLloyd Kelly is unavailable for Bournemouth after suffering a thigh injury which saw him withdraw from the England U21s squad.
Ryan Fraser however could be available after recovering from a knee injury which saw him withdraw from the Scotland squad.
Andrew Surman could return from a lengthy knee injury, although Charlie Daniels and Junior Stanislas remain sidelined out with similar injuries.
Joshua King meanwhile is absent with a hamstring strain sustained whilst on international duty for Norway.
Wolves could have Morgan Gibbs-White available after he missed their last five games with a back injury. He however was named as an unused sub in their 1-1 draw at Arsenal earlier this month.
Adama Traore is a doubt with a tight hamstring but could be given a late fitness test, whilst Willy Boly remains out with an ankle injury.
Form
Bournemouth enter this match unbeaten in three of their last five matches, keeping clean sheets in those three games.
Wolves arrive here unbeaten in their last seven league games despite keeping two away clean sheets in that run.
Stat Attack
- Bournemouth have taken seven points from their last four league meetings with Wolves (W2, D1, L1).
- Under their current name, AFC Bournemouth are unbeaten in five home meetings with Wolves (W2, D3).
- All three of Bournemouth’s home draws under their current name against Wolves have finished 1-1.
- Excluding players from the current top six teams, Joao Moutinho has made the highest number of tackles – producing 43 tackles in 12 appearances for Wolves this season.
- Ryan Fraser is Bournemouth’s top British cross-maker this season with 71 crosses.
Prediction
I can see a cracking match here because both teams are attack minded and can vary their play, which adds to the buzz of unpredictability around this fixture.
Form therefore is probably a factor because Wolves are yet to beat (AFC) Bournemouth here, but they’re in the better form and that will provide a confidence boost.
I therefore am going for a draw because both teams will cancel each other out in midfield, although finishing will be key.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Wolves
Result: Bournemouth 1-2 Wolves