Premier League preview and odds: West Brom vs AFC Bournemouth

Published on: 17/12/2015

Premier League preview and odds: West Brom vs AFC Bournemouth

December 19, 2015 15:00pm - The Hawthorns

Premier League

Two teams that have remained unbeaten in their last four games will battle it out on Saturday as 13th-ranked West Brom welcome league table neighbours Bournemouth to the Hawthorns in the Barclays Premier League.

Baggies destined for mid-table mediocracy

West Brom remain on course for a mid-table finish having accumulated 20 points from the 16 games they have played so far. The Baggies are unbeaten in four games but have drawn the last three on the bounce.

Last time out, they had to settle for a 2-2 away to Liverpool after a late Divock Origi goal salvaged a point for the home side. Prior to that, they played out 1-1 draws at home to Spurs and away to West Ham.

At home, they have only managed two wins all season - a 2-1 victory over Arsenal and a 1-0 triumph over struggling Sunderland.

Bournemouth get just rewards

AFC Bournemouth have received plenty of praise for their bold style of play and they are now finally being rewarded with some positive results. A run of four games without loss had elevated the league`s minnows to 14th place in the table.

They come into this game on the back of wins over Manchester United (2-1) at home and Chelsea (0-1) away, having previously drawn against Everton (3-3) and Swansea (2-2). Eddie Howe will be keen to keep the momentum going as when they travel to the Midlands this weekend.

Team news

Tony Pulis will be without Stephane Sessegnon, who has a hamstring problem - and long-term absentee Ben Foster, who is still recovering from an ACL injury.

Bournemouth have been operating with a depleted squad for some time now with Tyrone Mings, Max Gradel, Tommy Elphick, and Christian Atsu all out long term. They have been joined by Josh King, who has picked a hamstring injury, while Lee Tomlin remains a doubt.

Recent form (League)

West Brom: DDDWL

AFC Bournemouth: WWDDL

Betting odds and tips

West Brom have improved at home in recent weeks, while Bournemouth are playing with real confidence and seem to have found a way of grinding out results. The bookies have the home side as favourites but the draw looks like a better bet at 40/17 with Marathon Bet.

The Baggies have scored in their last five game at the Hawthorns and the Cherries have netted in six of their last seven away clashes. Back Both Teams to Score at 5/6 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 17/12/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (17/12/2015 16:16:45) but are subject to change.