Premier League preview and odds: AFC Bournemouth vs Southampton

Published on: 17/12/2016

Premier League preview and odds: AFC Bournemouth vs Southampton

December 18, 2016 13:30pm - Vitality Stadium

Referee: M. Clattenburg

Premier League

AFC Bournemouth and Southampton will go head-to-head at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday lunchtime with only goal difference separating the two teams. The hosts will be hoping to secure their third home win in a row, while the visitors are looking for their first away win in five.

Table neighbours do battle on South Coast

AFC Bournemouth continue to impress in the Premier League and can now consolidate their place in the top 10 with a win over their fellow South Coast team.

The Cherries have won five and lost just one of their last seven home matches and are currently sitting comfortably in 10th place in the table. A win on Sunday could lift them as high as seventh if other results go their way.

Meanwhile, Southampton are just a place above their opponents in the table courtesy of a superior goal difference. The Saints have lost just won of their last five Premier League matches but have won just two of their last seven overall.

Claud Puel`s men have scored just two goals in their last five away matches and have not won on the road since they beat West Ham United 3-0 back in September. However, they do boast the third-best defensive record in the league.

Team news

The home side are waiting on the fitness of Ryan Fraser who has been struggling with an ankle injury, while Junior Stanislas (ankle), Andrew Surman (hamstring) and Lewis Cook (ankle) are all set to miss out.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be without the suspended Oriel Romeu and the injured group of Charlie Austin (shoulder), Jake Hesketh (ankle), Matt Targett (hamstring) and Jeremey Pied (knee), while Cedric Soares and Alex McCarthy are both doubtful.

Recent form (League):

AFC Bournemouth: WLWLW

Southampton: DWLWD

Betting odds and tips

AFC Bournemouth and Southampton are both at their best on home soil and that could be telling on Sunday.

The Saints have struggled for goals on the road and have not been helped by the injury to Charlie Austin. As a result, the home side should just have the edge and are well priced at 2/1.

You can back the Home Win at 2/1 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 17/12/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (17/12/2016 12:20:16) but are subject to change.