Verdict: Bournemouth win
Best Odds: 6/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to claim a much-welcomed Premier League victory on Saturday afternoon, Bournemouth will welcome Burnley to the Vitality.
Bournemouth
Starting with the hosts, while Bournemouth might have eventually left Old Trafford with a sensational 4-4 stalemate against Manchester United earlier in the week, Andoni Iraola’s men have come under some serious pressure on either side of November’s international break. Despite flying out of the traps when opening up the 2025/26 campaign, the former Rayo Vallecano boss has seen his squad come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Tumbling their way down the Premier League standings, Bournemouth have remarkably failed to win any of their previous seven consecutive top-flight showdowns. Heading into November’s fortnight interval with a woeful 4-0 drumming at the hands of Aston Villa, Saturday’s hosts have also continued to show some worrying defensive struggles. In fact, Iraola’s side have registered just a sole clean sheet since the end of October.
Bournemouth Team News
Once again missing out against Manchester United on Monday night and still dealing with a recent knee issue, Bournemouth are still sweating over the fitness of Scotland international Ryan Christie. However, recently serving a three-match suspension, Lewis Cook will return to Iraola’s squad.
Finding the net at Old Trafford earlier in the week and registering a seventh Premier League strike of the season, attacking talisman Antoine Semenyo will lead the line. Former Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott could be handed a full recall in the middle of the park.
Burnley
As for the visitors, while Burnley might have only made their Premier League return this season, it is no secret that Scott Parker’s men are universally regarded as a standout bottom-three contender this time around. Last seen falling to an action-packed 3-2 defeat at home against Fulham, the Clarets are sat firmly in the drop zone and once again face another tricky test here. Getting December underway with a 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace, Burnley have now lost all of their previous seven consecutive Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 16-6. It should also be noted, the Lancashire-based outfit also fell to a 2-1 loss when they last travelled to Bournemouth back in October 2023. Holding the second-worst defensive tally among England’s elite, Parker’s downbeat squad will be asked some serious questions here.
Burnley Team News
Both serving respective one-match suspensions last weekend, the duo of Lucas Pires and former Manchester City star Kyle Walker will return to Parker’s squad on Saturday afternoon. However, dealing with a long-term groin injury, Wales international Connor Roberts remains on the sidelines.
Recording five Premier League goals this season, former Millwall striker Zian Flemming should be handed a full recall at the Vitality. Bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike against Fulham last time out, ex-Chelsea youngster Lesley Ugochukwu will start in the middle of the park here.
Bournemouth vs Burnley Key Factors to Consider
- When Bournemouth last welcomed Burnley to the Vitality back in October 2023, Saturday’s hosts collected a 2-1 victory.
- However, Bournemouth have failed to win any of their previous seven Premier League appearances (four defeats, three draws).
- Burnley have lost each of their last seven straight Premier League showdowns by an aggregate score of 16-6.
- Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has recorded seven Premier League goals this season.
- Conceding 33 Premier League strikes this season, Burnley hold the second-worst defensive return in the division.
Conclusion
Eventually leaving Old Trafford with what was a spectacular 4-4 stalemate on Monday night, Bournemouth will now have their sights firmly set on securing a first Premier League victory since the end of October. Looking to get their top-half charge back underway, Iraola’s men have certainly been handed a golden opportunity this weekend. Meeting a Burnley squad who have lost all of their previous seven consecutive Premier League showdowns by an aggregate score of 16-6, the Clarets have also shown some major defensive struggles. Desperate to get their top-half charge back on track, Bournemouth should be smelling a golden opportunity when they return to the Vitality.
Verdict: Bournemouth win
Best Odds: 6/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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