Tottenham vs Bournemouth Preview
- Draw
- Over 3.5 goals
Tottenham will be desperate to return to winning ways as they welcome Bournemouth to North London in a crucial Premier League fixture.
Ange Postecoglou’s men have been struggling for consistency, with pressure mounting following back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Manchester City and AZ Alkmaar. Meanwhile, Bournemouth are also enduring a dip in form, putting their hopes of European football at risk.
Can Spurs avenge their earlier defeat to the Cherries, or will Bournemouth continue their strong away form? Here’s a detailed preview of this highly anticipated clash.
Tottenham’s Woes Continue as Pressure Mounts on Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou may no longer be the leading candidate for the next Premier League manager to be sacked according to some betting markets, but that does not mean the pressure on him has eased.
Spurs fans voiced their frustration when they lost 1-0 at Bournemouth earlier in the season, and after their recent struggles, another poor result could see that discontent rise again.
Their current run of form has been disappointing, with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the league followed by another 1-0 loss to AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League.
Tottenham’s downturn began with that loss to Bournemouth in December, and since then, their home form has been alarming.
Spurs have lost five of their last seven Premier League matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (W1, D1), leaving fans unconvinced about their chances of avenging their earlier defeat.
Of particular concern is Tottenham’s struggles against top-performing sides this season. While they stunned Manchester City with a remarkable 4-0 win, that result stands out as an anomaly, surrounded by ten league defeats against clubs currently inside the Premier League’s top eight.
If they are to turn their season around, Spurs need to prove they can compete with the division’s best on a more consistent basis.
Bournemouth’s European Hopes Under Threat
Bournemouth have enjoyed their best-ever Premier League season, but their hopes of securing European football next season are suddenly at risk.
The Cherries have suffered back-to-back league defeats for the first time since November, raising concerns about whether their campaign is starting to fizzle out at a crucial stage.
Even though they responded with an FA Cup win over Wolves, manager Andoni Iraola was far from satisfied with their performance.
Their latest Premier League setback—a 2-0 defeat to Brighton—was frustrating, though somewhat forgivable, considering Brighton’s opener came from the penalty spot.
Despite their recent dip, Bournemouth’s away record has been impressive. Before losing to Brighton, they had gone unbeaten in seven consecutive Premier League away games (W5, D2), highlighting their ability to pick up results on the road.
Their recent successes against top teams—including a dominant 4-1 win over Newcastle and a 2-2 draw with Chelsea—suggest they can trouble Spurs.
Additionally, the goal-heavy nature of their encounters with top sides indicates a high-scoring game could be on the cards. Notably, the last four Premier League meetings between these two sides in London have all featured over 3.5 goals.
Head-to-Head Record: High-Scoring Fixtures in Recent Years
Spurs and Bournemouth have produced some entertaining encounters in recent years, particularly when playing in North London.
The last four Premier League meetings between these two sides in London have all featured over 3.5 goals, making this fixture one to watch for fans expecting attacking football.
Bournemouth claimed a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season, marking a crucial moment in Tottenham’s decline.
However, history slightly favours Spurs when playing at home, and with both sides struggling defensively in recent matches, goals could be on the cards once again.
Key Players to Watch
James Maddison (Tottenham)
Spurs often perform well when James Maddison is on the scoresheet. The attacking midfielder has been a key influence this season, and his record when scoring is impressive—Tottenham have won ten of his last 12 goal-scoring appearances.
He was on target in their most recent Premier League home victory, and if he finds the net here, it could be a good omen for Postecoglou’s side.
Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth)
Bournemouth’s Dutch forward has been lethal on the road this season, scoring ten of his 13 goals away from home.
Notably, two of those goals have come in London, further underlining his ability to deliver in tough away fixtures. If Bournemouth are to extend Spurs’ misery, Kluivert could play a vital role in unlocking their defence.
Prediction: Will Spurs Bounce Back?
This fixture is a difficult one to predict, given both teams’ inconsistent form. Spurs have struggled badly at home, while Bournemouth have been strong on the road.
However, Tottenham’s attacking talent—especially with James Maddison pulling the strings—could give them the edge in a high-scoring affair.
That said, Bournemouth’s ability to score away from home, coupled with Tottenham’s poor defensive record against top-eight teams, suggests the Cherries could get on the scoresheet as well.
Predicted Score: Tottenham 2-2 Bournemouth
A draw seems like a realistic outcome, given both sides’ vulnerabilities and attacking capabilities.
Spurs need to turn their home form around to keep their European hopes alive, while Bournemouth will be keen to avoid a third straight league defeat. Expect an entertaining clash with plenty of goal-mouth action.
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Spurs v Bournemouth, 2024/25 | Premier League