Prediction: Huddersfield vs Bournemouth

Verdict: Over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

Two teams facing opposite realities will collide this Sunday morning in the English Premier League, as Huddersfield and Bournemouth will meet in a battle between two recently-promoted teams in the EPL. The hosts are in dire need of a win, while the visitors have been one of the best teams in the league over the last few weeks.

Huddersfield

Huddersfield have struggling of late, there is no question about that. The team sits in 19th place of the standings with only 24 points and they would get relegated to the English Championship if the season ended today. What’s even more complicated is that they haven’t shown any signs of potentially turning things around. They have dropped their last EPL matches, and are riding an eight-game winless run in the league. In fact, their last EPL win came on December 16 (4-1 win against Watford) so they must get back to winning ways soon. One positive aspect was their 4-1 win over Birmingham in the FA Cup, although they needed an ET to clinch the result. Will they manage to keep it going once the EPL action returns?

Team News

Elias Kachunga (knee), Tom Smith (concussion) and Jon Stankovic (knee) have already been ruled out of this game.

Christopher Schindler (ankle) has been listed as doubtful, but he is not expected to play in this one.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s last defeat in the EPL was in December 23rd against Manchester City, but Eddie Howe’s men have been in top form after that. The Cherries are riding a seven-game undefeated streak in the Premier League level, with four wins and three draws. Their wins have included solid victories against contending teams such as Chelsea (away) and Arsenal (home), so they have proven they can compete toe-to-toe with the best of them. However, Bournemouth are paying the price for a slow start to the season and they only sit in 10th place of the standings. Can they get another win to get closer to a potential European Cup qualification? It doesn’t seem likely, but they are certainly trending in the right direction of late.

Team News

Star striker Jermain Defoe has been ruled out due to an ankle problem. Tyrone Mings (lower back) won’t play neither.

Adam Smith (thigh) will be a game-time decision. He will require a late-fitness test to determine his availability.

Key Factors to Consider

• Bournemouth have been in impressive form at the moment. They are riding a seven-game undefeated streak in the Premier League.
• Huddersfield have been on the opposite end of the spectrum, however. They are winless in their past eight Premier League matches.
• Huddersfield have conceded two or more goals in each of their last five PL games. Their defence has been quite shaky of late.
• Bournemouth have seen over 2.5 goals scored in eight of their last nine PL games, whilst Huddersfield have failed to score a goal in five of their last six.
• Bournemouth defeated Huddersfield 4-0 in the prior meeting between both clubs this season.

Conclusion

These two sides are riding opposite forms at the moment. But both teams need to win and we could see a very open game.

As such, I expect over 2,5 goles to happen in this one.

Verdict: Over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: 888sport