AFC Bournemouth vs Middlesbrough - Premier League preview and odds

Published on: 21/04/2017

AFC Bournemouth vs Middlesbrough - Premier League preview and odds

April 22, 2017 15:00pm - Vitality Stadium

Premier League

The Premier League relegation battle heats up on Saturday as 16th-ranked AFC Bournemouth look to maintain their seven-point cushion over the drop zone by seeing off the challenge of a Middlesbrough side currently six points adrift of safety.

Bournemouth still looking over shoulder

A run of four games without a win has kept AFC Bournemouth looking over their shoulders heading into the last five games of the season. A few weeks ago, the Cherries looked to be well on course to maintain their top-flight status for another season but their recent run has raised the anxiety levels on the South Coast.

Eddie Howe`s men still have the luxury of a seven-point gap over 18th-ranked Swansea City but they will not want that to be reduced any further this weekend. And they will fancy their chances against a team that has not won a Premier League match in 2017.

In fact, Middlesbrough have not won any of their last 15 matches in the league and have slipped deep into the relegation zone as a result. The decision to sack manager Aitor Karanka has actually seen them deteriorate even further and they now look certain to face the drop along with David Moyes` Sunderland.

Boro have scored just two goals in their last seven away games, with both of those coming on their recent visit to fellow strugglers Hull City. Their only away win of the season came way back in August at bottom club Sunderland.

Team news

Jack Wilshere (ankle), Andrew Surman (knee), Adam Federici (knee) and Callum Wilson (ACL) are all out of action for the home side, while Dan Gosling remains a doubt with a knee injury.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be without the crocked pair of Fabio da Silva (knock) and Victor Valdes (rib), while Calum Chambers (foot) is also a doubt.

Recent form (League)

AFC Bournemouth: LLDDW

Middlesbrough: LDLDL

Betting odds and tips

Bournemouth have picked up more than two-thirds of their points on home soil this term and have won two of their last three at the Vitality Stadium, the defeat coming against league leaders Chelsea. However, they have conceded two goals or more in nine of their last 11 matches on home soil, so even goal-shy Boro can be expected to find the net this weekend.

Back Over 2.5 Goals at 17/20 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 21/04/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (21/04/2017 14:17:04) but are subject to change.