Cherries and Boro to finish all-square
On Saturday Bournemouth host Middlesbrough at the Vitality Stadium in a game that could be vital at the bottom end of the Premier League table.
The home side are on a poor run of form having failed to win any of their last four games in the Premier League, including suffering defeats in their last two games against top two Chelsea and Tottenham.
Despite that recent poor run of form, Eddie Howe’s side are still seven points clear of the relegation zone. A win in this clash would all-but guarantee their place in the Premier League for next season.
A home win can definitely not be ruled out in this clash, as Boro have not won any of their last 15 away games on their travels in the league. The north east sides last away win in the top-flight came in August at rivals Sunderland.
Boro won the reverse fixture at the Riverside Stadium, but have failed to win any of their last 15 games in the top-flight, suffering nine defeats. Steve Agnew’s side really need to find form, as they are now six points from safety, although they do have a game in hand on both Swansea and Hull above them.
One of the visitor’s biggest problems this season has been scoring goals, as they have scored just 23 times this season in the top-flight, which is a league low. However, they are difficult to score against and have the sixth best defensive record in the Premier League.
Bournemouth’s recent home record is patchy so that at least gives the visitors a chance of picking something up on the south coast. With both sides in poor form, it is hard to see either winning this clash. Forebet predicts a draw, which will move the home side one step closer to safety this season.