The English Premier League season returns to action on Saturday following the international break and one of the seasons big surprises is in action.
Many pundits tipped Bournemouth to have a poor season but the Cherries have so far defied the doubters to sit 6th in the Premier League. Eddie Howe has done a very good job and will be looking to continue their progress with a win in this game.
In contrast, Southampton have had a difficult start to the 2018/19 campaign and find themselves at the wrong end of the Premier League table. There is just 2 points separating the Saints from the relegation zone and they need the 3 points from this game.
Trends show Bournemouth are in great form and they are unbeaten in ten of their last twelve matches in all competition. In the Premier League, Bournemouth have won seven of their last ten games, including three of the last four.
Home form has been excellent and Bournemouth have remained unbeaten in their last seven games at the Vitality Stadium. There have been wins over Cardiff City, Leicester City and Crystal Palace in the Premier League plus wins over Milton Keynes Dons and Blackburn Rovers in the League Cup.
Bournemouth may not have played any of the top Premier League clubs at home yet this season but Southampton hardly fall into that category. Both teams have scored in twelve of Bournemouth’s last sixteen home matches in all competitions.
Southampton’s players left for the international break having lost 3-0 at home to Chelsea. The Saints were second best for much of the game and need to improve if they are to take something from this match.
Trends show Southampton have been in dreadful form for quite some time and they have won only four of their last thirty-three Premier League games, which is a very poor record. They have lost three of their four away league games this season, with defeats coming at Everton, Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Including home matches, Southampton have failed to score in their last three Premier League games and need to show more attacking intent. They have manged to score in two of their four away Premier League matches this season and perhaps the team is better suited to playing away from home.
Looking ahead to the team news and Bournemouth could be without midfielder Ryan Fraser, which would be a blow. The Scot withdrew from international duty and remains a doubt along with Charlie Daniels.
Southampton also had a key player withdraw from international duty and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy could make way for Angus Gunn to make his Premier League debut for the club. Shane Long could partner Danny Ings up-front.
Bournemouth are playing with plenty of confidence at the moment while Southampton appear to be lacking in belief. Having scored more goals than Liverpool, Manchester United and Spurs this season, Bournemouth should win this game and could score two or more goals in the process.