Prediction and odds for the game: Bournemouth (7/5) v Southampton (9/5)
We are backing the away win
When: Sunday, 19th July 2020, Kick-off 14:00
Where: The Vitality Stadium
On Sunday afternoon, south coast rivals Bournemouth and Southampton go head-to-head at the Vitality Stadium, in what could be a defining game the hosts hope of avoiding relegation to the Championship.
Bournemouth
Last time out, Eddie Howe’s team produced a battling display in a 2-1 defeat at Manchester City. In the end, the Citizens superior quality was enough to see them through and it was another fruitless game for the Cherries.
The situation is quite simple for Bournemouth in that this a must-win game as if results go against them they could suffer relegation to the second tier. They currently occupy the final relegation berth in the English top-flight. They are only three points behind Watford, who are 17th place. However, with two games remaining, time is running out for the home team in the fight for survival.
One win from their last 11 Premier League games is relegation form. The fact they have lost eight those matches makes it even worse.
The Cherries last two home games have seen them take four points from a possible six against top seven teams Leicester and Tottenham. However, one home win in five league outings does not bode well for the home side.
The fact that they have won just two of their previous 12 meetings with their south coast rivals is not a great omen either.
Southampton
The Saints once again impressed in their midweek 1-1 draw against another south coast rival Brighton but failed to take their chances. Disappointing home results have become the Saints MO of late. However, their away form is a whole different matter. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team are unbeaten in four away matches in the Premier League, picking up points at Everton and Manchester United.
The key to the visitors recent decent away form has been their firepower, as they have scored at least two goals in six of their previous nine away games in the English top-flight.
Their recent away form has kept the Saints safely in midtable. With just two league games remaining the highest they can finish in the table is tenth. However, tenth-place Burnley are five points ahead, so only need one point from their last two games to seal a top-half finish.
Conclusion
Although this game is massive for Bournemouth and means very little to the Saints, we are backing the away win. We are backing the away win due to the visitor’s strong recent away record and the Cherries struggles on home soil. The other bet we are backing is Danny Ings to score anytime, as the forward is in hot form, scoring four times in his last five appearances for the visitors.
Verdict: We are backing the away win at odds of 9/5 and/or Danny Ings to be an anytime goalscorer at odds of 11/10. (All odds are taking from Bet365).
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Can Bournemouth record a vital win to keep their survival hopes alive?
