Verdict: Bournemouth win
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to extend on their European charge on Saturday afternoon, Bournemouth will welcome Sunderland to the Vitality.
Bournemouth
Starting with the hosts, while Bournemouth might have found themselves at the heart of a public struggle on either side of opening the New Year, Andoni Iraola’s men have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Despite eventually settling for a 0-0 stalemate away at relegation scrappers West Ham last weekend, the Cherries are suddenly in the midst of a genuine European charge. Mounting a dramatic second-half comeback against Everton on February 10th as they snatched a 2-1 victory on Merseyside, Bournemouth are unbeaten in all of their previous seven consecutive Premier League appearances (four wins, three draws). Likewise, aside from an action-packed 3-2 defeat against title favourites Arsenal on January 3rd, that is the only top-flight loss that Iraola’s side have suffered since opening the New Year.
Bournemouth Team News
Undergoing knee surgery last month, Dutch international Justin Kluivert is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign. Likewise, former Liverpool youngster Bradley Doak remains on the sidelines with a hamstring issue and will not play any part here.
Making an immediate impact since completing a permanent switch from Vasco da Gama last month, 19-year-old sensation Rayan will keep his spot from the start. Making what could prove to be a timely return, Marcus Tavernier should get some more minutes under his belt after recovering from a recent thigh issue.
Sunderland
As for the visitors, while Sunderland might have only made their iconic Premier League return this season, Regis Le Bris’ camp have received a string of plaudits. However, despite extending on their FA Cup adventure on February 15th as they edged past Championship strugglers Oxford United, the Black Cats are seeking a much-welcomed Premier League boost. Last seen putting in a disappointing display at the Stadium of Light as they slumped to a 3-1 defeat at home against Fulham, Saturday’s guests have now lost all of their last three consecutive top-flight appearances by an aggregate sore of 7-1. Likewise, losing four of their previous five Premier League showdowns, Sunderland are also searching for some kind of clinical edge in the final third.
Sunderland Team News
Both limping off after sustaining first-half knocks against Fulham last weekend, Sunderland are expected to be without the duo of Jocelin Ta Bi and former PSG star Jordi Mukiele. One-time Aston Villa attacker Bertrand Traore remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee issue.
However, in what should prove to be a huge boost for the Black Cats, former Arsenal skipper and midfield talisman Granit Xhaka could make a first Premier League start since January 17th. Bagging five top-flight strikes this season, ex-Ajax ace Brian Brobbey will spearhead Sunderland’s attack.
Bournemouth vs Sunderland Key Factors to Consider
- When Bournemouth and Sunderland met for their reverse Premier League showdown on November 29th, the Black Cats secured a thrilling 3-2 victory on Tyneside.
- Bournemouth are unbeaten in all of their previous seven consecutive Premier League appearances (four wins, three draws).
- The Cherries have suffered just a single Premier League defeat so far this calendar year.
- Along with losing each of their last three consecutive Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 7-1, Sunderland have also lost four of their previous five top-flight contests.
- Sunderland have registered just 10 points from any of their 13 Premier League matchups on their travels this season.
Conclusion
Unbeaten in all of their previous seven Premier League appearances, Bournemouth have certainly reignited their European dreams. Suffering just a single top-flight defeat since opening the New Year, Saturday’s hosts will be smelling a potential opportunity here. Watching Sunderland slump to a disappointing 3-1 drumming at home against Fulham last weekend, the Black Cats have now lost all of their previous three consecutive Premier League showdowns by an aggregate score of 7-1. Likewise, Saturday’s guests have also failed to claim a single top-flight win on their travels since the end of October.
Verdict: Bournemouth win
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster