Bournemouth vs Leicester Preview
- Bournemouth to win
- Over 1.5 goals for Bournemouth
The 2024/25 Premier League campaign has been one of progress and promise for Bournemouth under the guidance of Andoni Iraola. However, a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in midweek officially ended their faint hopes of securing a top-eight finish. Despite this disappointment, a top-half placing remains a possibility, with tenth place still within reach depending on other results.
To stand any chance of finishing inside the top ten, Bournemouth must first address their poor recent home form, which has seen them win just one of their last seven league games at the Vitality Stadium (D1, L5). Given that this is their final opportunity to sign off with a home win and finish what’s been a commendable season on a positive note, there’s more than just league position on the line—it’s about ending with pride and optimism heading into the summer.
History on Their Side Against Leicester
Fortunately for the Cherries, history suggests they have chosen the right opponent to close the campaign. Bournemouth have won four of the last five Premier League home head-to-heads against Leicester City (D1), indicating a clear edge when it comes to this particular fixture on the South Coast. However, caution is warranted—Bournemouth lost 1-0 in the reverse fixture earlier this season, and they’ve yet to keep a clean sheet against any of the three relegated teams in the league.
That record suggests Bournemouth tend to make life more difficult than necessary against teams already heading to the Championship. With nothing to play for other than final positioning, the pressure may be lighter, but Iraola will still expect his players to maintain professionalism and deliver a final home performance that supporters can celebrate.
Leicester’s Late Resurgence
Leicester City’s return to the Championship has been confirmed for some time, but the Foxes have shown late-season grit. They are unbeaten in their last three league games (W2, D1), marking their longest unbeaten streak of what has otherwise been a torrid Premier League campaign.
Both of those victories came at the King Power Stadium and were against the other two sides who will join them in the second tier—Ipswich Town and Southampton. They’ll now be aiming to complete a clean sweep against the other relegated teams by claiming a rare away win here against Bournemouth. Ironically, the Cherries are also the highest-ranked team Leicester have managed to beat this season, offering a shred of hope for fans hoping to see their side bow out on a high.
Grim Away Record Offers Little Encouragement
Despite their improved recent form, Leicester’s away record is a stark reminder of their struggles. They’ve won just one of their last 14 league matches on the road (D3, L10) and have failed to beat any side currently placed 16th or higher in the Premier League this season on their travels (D3, L12).
These numbers underline the monumental challenge Leicester face if they are to end the campaign with a rare away success. Furthermore, with this expected to be Ruud van Nistelrooy’s final match in charge before a managerial shake-up in the summer, there’s little stability or motivation within the squad beyond individual pride and potential auditions for future opportunities elsewhere.
Players to Watch
In a fixture where several players will be saying their goodbyes, all eyes will be on Dean Huijsen, who is set to make his final appearance for Bournemouth before a summer move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The central defender has enjoyed a productive season, particularly in front of goal, where he has contributed three headed goals—all of which came in victories. Expect him to pose a threat from set pieces as he looks to sign off in style.
Leicester also have a loanee preparing to return to his parent club, with Facundo Buonanotte set to head back to Brighton after Sunday’s match.
The young Argentine has impressed during his short stint, and notably scored the winner in the reverse fixture against Bournemouth. Each of his three Premier League goals since then have come away from home, and he’ll be eager to make one last statement before departing.
Tactical Insight
Bournemouth are expected to adopt their usual attacking philosophy under Iraola, with high pressing and quick transitions. With Leicester’s defensive frailties—conceding 2+ goals in 15 of their 18 away league matches—there may be ample opportunity for the Cherries to create scoring chances, particularly through wide areas and set plays.
Leicester may look to stay compact and play on the counter, knowing that Bournemouth often leave space in behind when pressing high. However, their lack of defensive resilience and failure to maintain leads this season leaves them vulnerable, particularly if the game remains close heading into the latter stages.
Hot Stat
Leicester have conceded two or more goals in 15 of their 18 away league games this season—a staggering stat that suggests Bournemouth’s attack will have opportunities to exploit defensive weaknesses.
Prediction
Bournemouth will want to end the campaign with a win and send their fans home happy. Given their strong home record against Leicester and the visitors’ woeful away form, the hosts should have the edge.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Leicester City
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Bournemouth v Leicester, 2024/25 | Premier League