There are two Premier League games on Sunday to enjoy this weekend, the first of which takes place at the Vitality Stadium. Bournemouth host Everton on the south coast and this is a game both teams will believe they can win.
Bournemouth start the weekend in 15th place and if results go against them in the other matches, they could find themselves in the relegation zone come kick-off. Everton are in 6th place on 7 points and know a win could see them move into the top four if other results go their way.
The Cherries ended the first segment of the season before the international break with a 3-1 defeat at Leicester City. Having fallen 1-0 down they found an equaliser but Bournemouth could not hold on and conceded a second before half-time and a third in the second half.
That result means Bournemouth have lost each of their last two Premier League matches and have won only one of their four games this season. The victory came away from home at Aston Villa and prior to that win, Bournemouth were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield United, which was a disappointing result.
Trends show Bournemouth have been struggling at home and they have won only one of their last nine games in all competitions at the Vitality Stadium. In addition, both teams have scored in five of their last six matches in all competitions and there have been over 2.5 goals scored in their last three Premier League games.
Everton travel to the south coast having got back to winning ways in the Premier League prior to the international break. They defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 at home in what was an exciting game. The Toffees were pegged back twice having led the match but scored the winning goal with 10 minutes remaining.
It was a good win on the back of their first defeat of the season which came at newly promoted Aston Villa the week before. However, that is Everton’s only defeat of the season in all competitions and trends show they are undefeated in eight of their last nine matches.
Everton have kept a clean sheet in ten of their last fifteen Premier League games but have managed to win just one of their last seven on the road.
Team news and Bournemouth have a long list of injured players. Charlie Daniels, Dan Gosling, David Brooks, Lloyd Kelly and Simon Francis are definitely out. They also have doubts over Adam Smith, Arnaut Groeneveld, Chris Mepham and Junior Stanislas.
Everton have been dealt a blow with the news that new midfield signing Jean-Philippe Gbamin is expected to be out until November with a thigh injury. He is the only usual starter who is unavailable.
Everton are close to full strength for this game whereas Bournemouth have injury problems. We should see both teams scoring in this match but Everton look stronger and could leave with all 3 points.