Bournemouth’s first of the two most important games of their season kicks off on Sunday afternoon as the Cherries take on an in form Southampton side at the Vitality Stadium.
Eddie Howe’s men will need to win both the remaining games and hope that Watford slip-up in their remaining fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal.
A big win against Leicester City followed by a defeat to defending champions Manchester City has put their top flight under serious threat and Eddie Howe is running out of time to avoid relegation for the first time in five years
The Saints on the other hand are comfortably placed in the 12th position and they will look to finish their campaign in the top half of the league table.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Venue: Vitality Stadium
Date: Sunday, July 19
Time: 18:30 IST
PREMIER LEAGUE FORM
Bournemouth Premier League form: (L-L-D-W-L)
One win in their last five league matches has left Bournemouth in the 18th position, three points off safety. After a 4-1 demolition of the Foxes, the Cherries suffered a loss in their tough outing against the Citizens. Howe’s men will need to pick themselves up for this important fixture.
Southampton Premier League form: (W-W-D-D-D)
The Saints have drawn the last three matches but head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl can take plenty of positives from these games. Club’s top scorer Danny Ings has hit the 20-goal mark for the first time in his Premier League career and he will look to continue his quest to win the Golden Boot with only Jamie Vardy ahead of him with 23 goals.
TEAM NEWS
AFC Bournemouth
Eddie Howe has confirmed the news of Nathan Ake’s absence for this fixture but he is in contention to play the final match against Everton. Also Simon Francis, Charlie Daniels and Chris Mepham are out of the match day squad.
Southampton
Yan Valery, Sofiane Boufal and Moussa Djenepo are not cleared to play this fixture and Stuart Armstrong, Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens face the risk of suspension as they have accumulated four yellow cards each during the course of the campaign.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
AFC Bournemouth: Ramsdale; Stacey, S. Cook, Kelly, Rico; Lerma; Brooks, Gosling, Billing, King; Wilson
Southampton: McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Stephens, Bednarek, Bertrand; Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Smallbone, Redmond; Ings, Adams
PREDICTION
AFC Bournemouth 1-0 Southampton
