Bournemouth host Nottingham Forest at the Vitality Stadium in a huge Premier League clash.
Victory could see Bournemouth climb to fifth if Newcastle lose at Southampton then Man City lose to Chelsea in the evening kick-off.
Forest can go second with a win if Arsenal lose at Wolves.
Team News
Bournemouth have no fresh injury concerns to report following their dominant win at Newcastle last weekend.
Marcus Tavernier is unlikely to be risked following his return to training after he missed the past month-and-a-half with a muscle injury.
James Hill (muscle), Julian Araujo, Luis Sinisterra (both hamstring), Adam Smith, Marcos Senesi (both muscle), Enes Unal (ACL), Evanilson (metatarsal) and Alex Scott (knee) remain absent.
Forest could be without Callum Hudson-Odoi after he suffered a groin injury during their 3-2 win over Southampton last weekend.
Ibrahim Sangare (hamstring) remains sidelined.
When is Kick-Off?
Bournemouth host Forest at Vitality Stadium on Saturday 25 January at 3pm GMT, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Bournemouth have avoided defeat in their five previous Premier League meetings against Forest (W2, D3).
- Each of Forest’s two previous Premier League trips to Bournemouth ended in 1-1 draws (D2).
- Both teams have netted in each of their five previous Premier League meetings, of which three clashes ended in a 1-1 draw whilst Bournemouth won the other two fixtures by 3-2 result albeit away at Forest.
- Lewis Cook has produced more crosses than any other Bournemouth player this season, having produced 94 crosses in 21 league appearances.
- Ola Aina has produced 1,184 touches on the ball in this league campaign, which is more more than any other Forest player.
Prediction
Despite their injury issues, Bournemouth were simply exceptional in their ruthless ending of Newcastle’s unbeaten run with a clinical yet dominant display which they face a tough task to match against a team who can’t be underestimated on the counter-attack.
Forest though are yet to record a Premier League win over Bournemouth but if they play like they did against Southampton with a clinical finishing touch, they should feel that a first victory over the Cherries in this competition is achievable.
I however do feel that this will be an entertaining if scrappy contest and wouldn’t be surprised if this ends in a high-scoring draw.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-2 Forest
Result: Bournemouth 5-0 Forest