Prediction and odds for the game: Bournemouth (8/5) v Watford (17/10)
We are backing the draw at odds of 23/10
When: Sunday 12th January 2020, Kick-off 2 PM
Where: The Vitality Stadium
On Sunday afternoon, Bournemouth host Watford at the Vitality Stadium in what could prove to be a pivotal game in the fight for Premier League survival.
Bournemouth
The Cherries have taken an alarming fall down the table into the relegation zone in recent weeks after a terrible run of form in the English top-flight. Eddie Howe’s team are currently a point from safety, prior to this weekend’s games.
That aforementioned poor run of form has seen the team from the south coast lose eight of their last ten matches in the Premier League. However, there was a slight recent positive in the fact that they recorded a 4-0 win over Luton Town in the FA Cup third round last weekend. The win ended a run of four games without a win for the Cherries.
Bournemouth’s home form has not helped their chances of beating the drop, as they have failed to win in four home games in the top-flight, suffering three defeats in the process.
The Cherries have struggled for goals on home soil in the Premier League of late, scoring just three times in their last six home outings.
Watford
The appointment of Nigel Pearson as Watford boss has revitalised the Hornets, who had previously looked destined to suffer relegation. A four-game unbeaten run in the top-flight, consisting of three wins and a draw has moved the visitors to within a point of the home side in the table. It now seems that survival is a realistic possibility.
The Hornets have been relatively prolific of late, scoring at least two goals in four of their last five competitive games, including last time out when they drew 3-3 at home against Tranmere Rovers in the third round of the FA Cup.
One facet of their game that needs to improve if Watford are to survive the drop is their away form. The visitors have failed to win in four away games in the top-flight, suffering three defeats in the process.
However, a 1-1 draw at Sheffield United in their last away game in top-flight ended a three-game losing streak on the road. The Hornets recent away matches have been low-scoring in the Premier League, with six of their last seven games producing under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
These two teams seem to be going in two very different directions. While Bournemouth have dropped like a stone of late in the top-flight, the visitors have surged up the table.
On current form, a Watford win could not be completely ruled out. However, the Hornets away form is still not great, so we are backing the draw in this bottom of the table clash.
Watford are much improved under Pearson, but their recent away games have been low-scoring, while Bournemouth have struggled for goals on home soil. Therefore, we are also recommending the under 2.5 goals scored.
Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 23/10 and or the under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 10/11. (All odds are taken from Bet365.
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Who will come out on top on this bottom of the table scrap?
