Premier League preview and odds: Sunderland vs AFC Bournemouth

Published on: 21/01/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Sunderland vs AFC Bournemouth

January 23, 2016 15:00pm - The Stadium of Light

Premier League

Sunderland can give their Premier League survival chance a massive boost by seeing off the challenge of 15th-ranked AFC Bournemouth at the Stadium of light on Saturday afternoon.

Sunderland out of touch with safety zone

Sunderland cannot seem to haul themselves out of the drop zone, despite the best efforts of boss Sam Allardyce. With four points still separating them from the first position of safety, the Black Cats will need to out-perform their rivals for an extended period if they are to maintain their Premier League status.

After bringing themselves back in touch with back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and Swansea, the Mackems were soundly beaten 4-1 by Tottenham last time out. In their last six home games, they have won three and lost three, with all three defeats ending with 0-1 score-lines.

Bournemouth holding their own

Bournemouth have been doing just enough to keep themselves one step ahead of the pack in the Premier League relegation battle. With Norwich, Swansea and Newcastle hot on their heels, it is vital that Eddie Howe`s men keep picking up points at their current rate if they want to enjoy another season in the top flight.

Last time out, they took on and beat rivals Norwich 3-0 at home to lift themselves up to 15th in the table. This weekend, they will have a chance to put further distance between themselves and another bottom-six rival, when they make the long journey northeast to face Sunderland.

Team news

The home side will be without the injured trio of Adam Matthews, Younes Kaboul and Seb Larsson.

Meanwhile, the Cherries are without a host of key players including Joshua King, Lewis Grabban, Max Gradel, Tommy Elphick and Callum Wilson. New signing Benik Afobe also faces a race to be fit in time after suffering a knock last weekend.

Recent form (League)

Sunderland: LWWLL

AFC Bournemouth: WLDLD

Betting odds and tips

Bournemouth are hoping that new signing Benik Afobe, will be fit enough to take part. The former Wolves player scored on his debut against Norwich last week, and can be backed at 6/1 to score first with Bet365 or at 21/10 to net anytime.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 21/01/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (21/01/2016 15:38:24) but are subject to change.