Verdict: Bournemouth win
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Knowing that they can temporarily jump into silver medal position, Bournemouth will welcome Fulham to the Vitality on Friday night.
Bournemouth
Starting with the hosts, eventually snatching a last-gasp point away at Premier League newcomers Leeds last weekend, Bournemouth have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across England’s elite. Now unbeaten in all of their previous five consecutive top-flight appearances on either side of September’s international break, Andoni Iraola’s men have their sights firmly set on booking an iconic European ticket this season. Putting 11 points on the board from those five straight Premier League showdowns, the former Rayo Vallecano boss knows that his squad can remarkably jump into silver medal position here. Despite their EFL Cup exit at the hands of Brentford last month, it should be noted that Bournemouth have suffered just a single Premier League defeat at the Vitality since the start of April.
Bournemouth Team News
Yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season, Bournemouth will once again be without Turkish marksman Enes Unal on Friday night. However, returning to first-team training over the past week, Lewis Cook could feature here.
Enjoying a sensational run of form since opening up the new campaign and already notching four Premier League strikes, Antonie Semenyo will play a leading role in the final third. Coming off the bench and bagging a sensational last-gasp equaliser away at Leeds, summer recruit Eli Junior Kroupi should get some more minutes under his belt.
Fulham
As for the visitors, while Fulham might have marked their return from September’s international break with consecutive Premier League victories, the Cottagers suffered a disappointing collapse outside of west London last weekend. Eventually falling to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa, Marco Silva’s men know the importance of claiming an immediate response here. Winning just a pair of their first six Premier League showdowns, it has been suggested that Silva is growing frustrated behind the scenes at Craven Cottage. Facing what should be a stern challenge when they travel to the Vitality this weekend, Fulham should be concerned by a nightmare recent record away at the European dreamers. Including a 1-0 loss when they last travelled to Bournemouth back on April 14th, Silva’s side have lost their previous three straight trips to the Vitality by an aggregate score of 6-1.
Fulham Team News
Missing out away at Aston Villa last week after picking up a recent muscle injury, Fulham are once again sweating over the fitness of Dutch defender Kenny Tete. Despite still searching for full fitness, USA international Antonee Robinson could make a first Premier League start of the season.
Bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike in the Midlands last time out, ex-Wolves striker Raul Jimenez should keep his spot leading the line. Really impressing since completing a summer switch to west London, Brazilian starlet Kevin could feature from the start.
Bournemouth vs Fulham Key Factors to Consider
- When Bournemouth and Fulham last met at the Vitality on April 14th, the Cherries collected a 1-0 victory.
- In fact, Bournemouth have won all of their previous three home fixtures against Fulham by an aggregate score of 6-1.
- Bournemouth have suffered just a single Premier League defeat at the Vitality since the start of April.
- Including their collapse away at Aston Villa last time out, Fulham have won just a pair of their first six Premier League appearances.
- Antonie Semenyo has registered four Premier League goals so far this season.
Conclusion
Knowing that they can temporarily skyrocket their way into silver medal position on Friday night, Bournemouth will be looking to make a public statement here. Landing a 1-0 victory when they last welcomed Fulham to the Vitality back on April 14th, the Cherries do hold a dominant recent record against Friday’s guests. Winning all of their previous three straight showdowns against Silva’s side at the Vitality by an aggregate score of 6-1, Bournemouth could be smelling a potential opportunity this weekend.
Verdict: Bournemouth win
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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