Southampton vs AFC Bournemouth - Premier League preview and odds

Published on: 01/04/2017

Premier League preview and odds: Southampton vs AFC Bournemouth

April 01, 2017 17:30pm - St. Marys Stadium

Premier League

Table neighbours Southampton and AFC Bournemouth will jostle for Premier League position when they square up at St. Mary`s Stadium on Saturday.

Three defeats in four at home for Saints

Southampton`s early season dominance on home soil has eluded them in recent weeks as they have fallen to three defeats in their last four games including a disappointing 1-3 defeat to West Ham United in their last home fixture a month ago.

Claude Puel`s men have played three away games in a row since then, winning two (against Sunderland and Watford) and putting in a respectable performance when going down 2-1 at Tottenham Hotspur.

The potential absence of striker Manolo Gabbiadini could be a telling factor for the Saints who will also continue without Charlie Austin. Their lack of striking options and poor recent home record will give plenty of hope to this weekend`s visitors.

AFC Bournemouth come into this game unbeaten in three, having drawn 1-1 at Old Trafford before beating West Ham United and Swansea City on home soil. Those results lifted them to 11th in the table, nine points clear of the drop zone.

Away from home, the result don`t make such good reading for Eddie Howe`s men with just one point gained from their last four road trips. However, they did manage to score at least one goal in each of their last five away games.

Team news

Manolo Gabbiadini (groin strain), Virgil van Dijk (ankle), Charlie Austin (dislocated shoulder), Alex McCarthy (hamstring strain), Matt Targett (hamstring strain) and Jeremy Pied (knee) are all set to miss out for the home side.

Meanwhile, the visitors will operate without the services of Tyrone Mings (suspended), Junior Stanislas (groin strain), Harry Arter (calf strain), Adam Federici (knee) and Callum Wilson (ACL).

Recent form (League)

Southampton: LWWLL

AFC Bournemouth: WWDLL

Betting odds and tips

The respective home and away form of each team combined with injury issues makes this one a tough game to call. However, both teams can be expected to get on the score sheet.

You can back Both Teams to Score at 3/4 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 01/04/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (01/04/2017 10:54:32) but are subject to change.