Bournemouth v Tottenham – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Bournemouth host Tottenham at the Vitality Stadium in the early kickoff on Saturday. The Cherries have one point from two matches so far, while Spurs have taken four points thus far. Goals are expected considering that three of the last four meetings between these sides have ended in a 3-2 scoreline.

Bournemouth Form

This season so far has seen a 1-1 home draw with West Ham and a 3-1 defeat at Liverpool. The opening match required an equaliser in the 81st minute whilst they led at Anfield but conceded 26 shots and 3.08 xG. However, the Cherries had 13 shots of their own and missed all three of their ‘big chances’.

Last season, Bournemouth had a great run of results to stay up. A 1-0 win against Liverpool in round 26 was the first of six wins in nine matches to secure their survival. That streak included a 3-2 win at upcoming opponents, Tottenham. The season petered out in poor season with four defeats and three blanks fired in their final four matches. In all, it’s just two points from their last six league games.

Bournemouth Team News

Andoni Iraola has seen his side spend big on Tyler Adams from Leeds this week. The combative midfielder is still out with a hamstring injury so his debut will have to wait. Key defender Lloyd Kelly made his return against Liverpool and could be pushing to start this one.

Midfielders Marcus Tavernier and Dango Outtara are doubts in wider areas whilst Lewis Cook and new signing Alex Scott are absent in central midfield. Fullbacks Adam Smith and Ryan Fredericks are two other injury concerns and both are touch-and-go to be involved at all.

Bournemouth Motivation

Iraolo plays an attacking game and is selecting four players in attacking areas so far. They will look to beat Tottenham at home.

Expect to see the Cherries take the game to Spurs, even though that may open space for their opponents to enjoy on transition.

Tottenham Form

Spurs’ two matches this season have seen immediate progress under their new coach. In the 2-2 opening-day draw at Brentford, Tottenham had 70% possession, and much of the match was played in the opposition’s half. In their second fixture, they overcame a tough first 30 minutes to beat Man Utd 2-0 at home. After United produced 0.83 xG more than Spurs in the first half, the hosts 0.52 xG more after the break.

Last term, Tottenham started the season well but several months of poor form saw them end up a full 11 points off the Champions League places. They lost five of their final eight fixtures and leaked 21 goals during that streak. After a 3-1 home loss to Brentford in round 37, they finished the season with a 4-1 win at Leeds.

Tottenham Team News

Ange Postecoglu has several injury concerns but mostly to fringe players. Ryan Sessegnon, Bryan Gil, and Tanguy Ndombele are carrying knocks but are unlikely to have featured at all. Rodrigo Bencancur is out long-term in a central midfielder with Pape Matar Sarr set to keep Pierre-Emile Højbjerg on the bench.

James Maddison took a knock to his ankle in the last match but he should shake off the injury to start. If he can’t recover in time, then Giovani Lo Celso could get some rare minutes. Richarlison will lead the line despite his lack of impact so far this season.

Tottenham Motivation

Spurs are going to attack in this match. Bournemouth are quite an open team so there should be space to exploit.

They will play for all three points and won’t settle for a draw at any stage. A point wouldn’t be a terrible result but don’t expect to see extra defenders introduced if the scores are level.

Key Stats

Bournemouth have lost 5 of their last 6 league matches (1 draw)

Bournemouth and Spurs have seen Over 4.5 goals in 5 of their last 7 meetings

Tottenham have lost 5 of their last 10 matches (23 goals conceded)

Spurs have just 1 win in 9 away EPL matches (lost 5, drew 3)

There have been 40 goals in the last 12 EPL meetings between these sides (3.33 goals per game)

Verdict

This promises to be an open and exciting game albeit the early kickoffs can be slower and cagier. Going with Over 3.5 goals looks like a good bet and Spurs are capable of winning the fixture.