Bournemouth have played exceptionally well this season claiming 17 points from 27. The Cherries are unbeaten in their last three matches and travel to Fulham on Saturday to play a team that has lost three straight games.
Fulham have conceded the most goals in the Premier League this term (25). Their last three games alone have seen 12 goals allowed to opponents. Now in the bottom three, Fulham need to keep the goals out if they want to survive the drop.
While Fulham’s defence has been porous, Bournemouth have been far steadier. The Cherries have allowed just 12 goals, the ninth fewest in the Premier League. Their goal scoring has been equally as good.
Bournemouth have tallied 16 goals which is joint-fourth in the table. Joshua King leads the team in scoring with four scores. Forward Callum Wilson has started well tallying three goals and four assists. Despite drawing last weekend with south coast rivals Southampton, Bournemouth have players that can create and put the ball in the back of the net.
Slavisa Jokanovic’s Fulham were dominant in the Championship with their smooth passing and attacking football. It worked in the second division, but in the top-flight, too many teams are geared toward that style. It has been a harsh reality check for Fulham. Despite averaging 52 percent possession, Fulham haven’t turned it into goals. Nor have they prevented strikes by keeping the ball.
Aleksandar Mitrovic is suffering a goal drought currently. The Serbian has tallied five strikes, but he hasn’t scored in his last three games going over a month without scoring. The last time he scored, Fulham gained a 1-1 draw with Watford. Fatigue and the level of play could be catching up with Mitrovic.
Midfielder Tom Cairney could miss the weekend’s match with an ankle injury. The captain has played just 26 minutes since August due to injury.
Bournemouth go into Saturday’s match at Craven Cottage just four points back of sixth place. Although they will concede possession to Fulham, Bournemouth will be dangerous on the counterattack. The Cherries will get their chances to score as Fulham have allowed three or more goals in their last three fixtures. Bettors should expect goals in this game. In seven of Fulham’s last eight matches in the Premier League, the Cottagers have allowed more than 2.5 goals. In addition, in seven of eight away games for Bournemouth, there have been more than 2.5 goals.
There will be scoring and Bournemouth will come out on top of this game. They will put more pressure on the top six while Fulham will ease further into the relegation zone.