Despite both teams sitting inside the top half of the Premier League table, Sunderland and Bournemouth’s progress appears to have stalled in recent weeks.
The teams are level on points and just four away from the top four in the division, but momentum has halted slightly for either side, making this match a crucial one to get back to winning ways.
However, the Stadium of Light is not an easy place to visit, as leaders Arsenal found out before the international break, making the Cherries’ task all the more difficult.
Explore our Sunderland vs Bournemouth betting tips below.
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Sunderland vs Bournemouth prediction: Backing the fortress
Key stats
- Sunderland are unbeaten at the Stadium of Light this season (W3, D3).
- Bournemouth lost four of their last seven road trips in the Premier League.
- Only the top three in the division won more corners than Bournemouth’s 73 this term.
- The visitors have scored the most goals in the first 10 minutes than any other team in the league (3).
Correct score prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Bournemouth
The atmosphere at the Stadium of Light is palpable, as Arsenal found out a few weeks back, when the home team willed their way to scoring twice against a stubborn defence.
Bournemouth have a knack for conceding on their travels, conceding 16 in six games, but they have scored nine in that run. There should be some fight from Andoni Iraola’s men, but the hostile environment should be too much to handle.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Honeymoon at home
- HOME: 19/10 (2.9) – 34.5%
- DRAW: 23/10 (3.3) – 30.3%
- AWAY: 11/8 (2.38) – 42.1%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Interestingly, Bournemouth are favourites to walk away with three points on Saturday, but that is down to the fact that the club are regulars in the league. Ladbrokes have given the Cherries a 42.1% chance of winning here, while the hosts only have a 34.5% chance of securing maximum points.
A draw is not a far-fetched result, according to the bookmaker, at 30.3%. However, with the visitors’ current away form in the league, winning just one of six matches and unable to win in November, the Black Cats are the value pick.
We have more free bettings tips for today, that can help you out with the best possible selections.
Most recent H2Hs: Cherries on top
Since the last clashes between these teams took place as far back as 2017, it is the visitors who lead the charge. In their previous five meetings, Iraola’s men won three in all competitions. Perhaps crucially, in the 2016-17 season, both sides traded blows by beating the other in their away leg, with Bournemouth’s victory sending the hosts down to the Championship.
England Premier League 29/04/17
Sunderland
Bournemouth
England Premier League 05/11/16
Bournemouth
Sunderland
England Premier League 23/01/16
Sunderland
Bournemouth
England Premier League 19/09/15
Bournemouth
Sunderland
Sunderland preview: No fresh concerns
Regis Le Bris has not reported on any new players in the infirmary, other than Habib Diarra and long-term absentee Ajibola Alese. All their attacking impetus rests on the shoulders of Wilson Isidor, who has four goals in a dozen Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Geertruida, Mandava; Traore, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fee, Isidor
Last five games
- Fulham 1-0 Sunderland
- Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal
- Sunderland 1-1 Everton
- Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland
- Sunderland 2-0 Wolves
Bournemouth preview: Semenyo hopeful
Iraola’s star player, Antoine Semenyo, did not make last week’s 2-2 draw with West Ham, as it was reportedly due to an ankle injury. However, the Ghanaian international could be back in the starting lineup this weekend to add this special touch to the fixture.
Predicted lineup: Petrovic; Jimenez, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Scott, Adams; Tavernier, Brooks, Semenyo; Evanlison
Last five games
- Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham
- Aston Villa 4-0 Bournemouth
- Manchester City 3-1 Bournemouth
- Bournemouth 2-0 Nottingham Forest
- Crystal Palace 3-3 Bournemouth
Player to watch: Robin Roefs
One of the reasons Sunderland have been performing beyond expectations is thanks to goalkeeper Robin Roefs. The Dutch shot-stopper boasts the best save percentage in the Premier League of 79.3%, making 16 saves in his last four club appearances. Roefs is always crucial for Regis Le Bris’s men, and it will not be any different this weekend.