Bournemouth vs Fulham Preview

• Draw
• Over 2.5 goals

The battle for European qualification in the Premier League has taken on new intrigue with the potential expansion to eight continental places for English clubs, and that prospect is still within reach for both Bournemouth and Fulham ahead of their Monday night clash at the Vitality Stadium. However, the two sides arrive here in contrasting form, with Bournemouth in desperate need of a turnaround and Fulham looking to build some much-needed momentum.

Bournemouth’s bright hopes of a top-four push have well and truly dimmed following a six-match winless run in the league (D2, L4). It’s a sequence that has left Andoni Iraola’s side treading water in the mid-table, just as the business end of the season gets into full swing. That poor form is reflected in their recent home results, with the Cherries losing four successive league games at the Vitality Stadium – their worst such run since their 2020/21 Championship campaign.

Only twice before in their history have Bournemouth lost five consecutive home league matches, and both of those instances came when they were in the third tier. That makes this fixture something of a crossroads for the south coast side, who risk making some unwanted club history in the top flight. Nevertheless, they will take heart from having won their last two home Premier League games against Fulham, including a hard-fought 1-0 win last season. Bournemouth have also lost just one of their last five Monday-held league games (W2, D2), winning two of their last three at home on that day of the week.

Fulham, meanwhile, arrive on the back of a huge confidence-boosting 3-2 win over league leaders Liverpool last weekend. That result has helped them climb to eighth in the table, which, depending on how things unfold in Europe, could be enough to secure a spot in the UEFA Conference League next season. But Marco Silva’s men remain plagued by inconsistency, having alternated between wins and losses across their last seven league matches (W4, L3).

The Cottagers will be keen to break that pattern by securing back-to-back wins for just the fourth time this term, something they’ve not managed since February. However, their recent away form is a concern, having lost their last two on the road. It is on their travels where Fulham have been at their most unpredictable – they’ve beaten the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal away from home this season, but also suffered defeats to relegation candidates such as Sheffield United and Southampton.

Interestingly, Fulham have won three away league games this season against sides placed above them before kick-off – the same number as they’ve managed against teams beneath them. Bournemouth, who sit three points behind Fulham going into the round, would therefore be forgiven for feeling cautious despite their own poor form. The visitors will be wary of slipping back into old habits, especially given their vulnerability when failing to take control of games early on.

Key players to watch

The hosts will once again look to the influence of Brazilian forward Evanilson, who has been a rare bright spark in recent weeks.

The former Porto man has netted nine goals in his maiden Premier League campaign and is now aiming to become just the fourth Brazilian to reach double figures in their debut English top-flight season. With the Cherries struggling to find the net regularly in recent weeks – scoring just five times across their last six league outings – Evanilson’s impact could be vital.

Rodrigo Muniz will be a key figure for Fulham once again. The in-form Brazilian has found the net in each of his last three Premier League appearances and could make history if he scores here – only Richarlison has previously scored in four consecutive Premier League games as a Brazilian.

Muniz’s physicality and movement have added an extra dimension to Fulham’s attack, and he’ll be relishing the opportunity to test a Bournemouth defence that has conceded multiple goals in four of their last five matches.

Key Stats

• Bournemouth have lost four consecutive home league games for the first time since 2020/21.
• The Cherries have not lost five straight home league matches since their third-tier days in the early 1990s.
• Fulham have alternated between wins and losses across their last seven league games.
• Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz could become the second Brazilian to score in four successive Premier League games.
• Nine of Fulham’s away league games this season have been level at half-time – more than any other side in the division.

Prediction

Both sides have reason to view this match as an opportunity – Bournemouth to arrest their home slide and get back in the European picture, and Fulham to build consistency and strengthen their grip on a potential European spot. Given the attacking talent on display and each side’s vulnerabilities at the back, a high-scoring encounter could be on the cards.

Prediction: Bournemouth 2-2 Fulham

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Bournemouth v Fulham, 2024/25 | Premier League