Wolves vs Bournemouth Preview

• Draw or Wolves win
• Over 1.5 goals

Wolves host Bournemouth in a Premier League clash that sees both sides seeking to consolidate their positions after contrasting recent form.

Wolves, buoyed by consecutive wins, will look to extend their resurgence, while Bournemouth aim to halt their slide after back-to-back defeats.

Wolves: Resurgence Under Gary O’Neil

Wolves’ season appeared in jeopardy after going winless in their first ten league games, the longest such stretch since the 1983/84 season. However, back-to-back victories have lifted them out of the relegation zone and eased the pressure on manager Gary O’Neil.

Key to Wolves’ revival has been their scoring consistency, netting in each of their last 11 Premier League matches—the joint-longest active streak in the league.

However, their attack could face a stern test against Bournemouth, a team that has frustrated Wolves in recent meetings.

Wolves have failed to score in three of their last four head-to-heads (W1, D1, L2), making this a potentially tricky encounter.

Gonçalo Guedes is a player to watch for Wolves. He netted the final goal in their 4-1 win over Fulham last weekend, continuing his trend of scoring after halftime. His ability to impact games late on could be pivotal for Wolves as they seek a third straight victory.

Bournemouth: Searching for Stability

After an encouraging spell where Bournemouth collected seven points from three games against last season’s top-four teams, their form has taken a nosedive.

Back-to-back defeats have derailed their momentum, and they now find themselves struggling to close the gap to the European contenders.

Andoni Iraola’s men have particularly struggled on the road, going winless in their last four away league matches (D1, L3). Conceding first in three of those games has left them chasing matches, a pattern they’ll need to break at Molineux.

Defensively, the Cherries have managed just one clean sheet in their last 11 top-flight away games, though that lone shutout came at Wolves’ home ground.

David Brooks will be crucial for Bournemouth. The midfielder closed the scoring in their last game, and like Guedes, five of his last six club goals have come after halftime, making him a key figure in their attacking setup.

Key Battles

Gonçalo Guedes vs Bournemouth’s Defense

Guedes’ ability to score late could exploit Bournemouth’s tendency to concede in the latter stages. Bournemouth’s backline, already struggling with consistency, will need to stay organized to neutralize his threat.

David Brooks vs Wolves’ Midfield

Brooks’ creativity and knack for late goals could challenge Wolves’ midfield and defensive stability. His ability to find space and capitalize on opportunities will be key for Bournemouth’s chances.

Tactical Analysis

Wolves will likely look to build on their recent momentum, emphasizing attacking fluidity while remaining compact at the back.

Their ability to score consistently gives them an edge, though breaking down Bournemouth’s defense could be a challenge based on recent head-to-head history.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, are expected to adopt a cautious approach, aiming to hit Wolves on the counterattack. With their away struggles and defensive vulnerabilities, they’ll need to be disciplined to avoid falling behind early.

Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Bournemouth

Wolves’ recent resurgence, coupled with their strong scoring run, makes them favorites in this fixture. While Bournemouth have the ability to frustrate Wolves and could threaten through David Brooks, their poor away form and defensive lapses may prove costly.

Expect Gonçalo Guedes to play a decisive role for the hosts, while Brooks could grab a consolation goal for the visitors in a closely contested match.

A third straight victory would further solidify Wolves’ climb away from the relegation zone, while Bournemouth’s struggles continue.

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Wolves v Bournemouth, 2024/25 | Premier League