Saturday 20th October 1500hrs Bournemouth v Southampton Football – England – Premier League Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth have had an excellent start to the season and find themselves in the top six which is a tremendous achievement even though we’re eight games in. Regular readers will be aware of my admiration for Howe and most notably the attacking approach he takes to the game. That was no more evident than when the Cherries thumped Watford 4-0 away from home in their last game before the international break. It was their third straight win in all competitions and a great response to their 4-0 loss at Burnley last month. That, and away to Chelsea, are the only defeats for Bournemouth in the league this season meaning they are unbeaten at home with three wins and one draw. Their form at the Vitality Stadium is traditionally very strong but they definitely appear to have an extra edge to their game which has seen them salvage points at home to Everton and Palace already. If they can continue with that attitude, combined with their undoubted quality and abundant pace in attack, then the signs are all very positive for Bournemouth this season.
Southampton survived relegation by the skin of their teeth last season and spent significant money over the summer with a view to strengthening key areas in a bid to avoid a repeat this time around. Mark Hughes remains in charge but the question will be getting asked for how long as the Saints are lurking ominously at the bottom of the table. They’re currently two points outside the relegation zone but like the rest of the league at the moment, it’s very cluttered and wouldn’t take much to see them rise but on the same token, if they do not improve soon then it could be a really long winter. They were dismantled at home to Chelsea last time out, losing 3-0, which was their third straight defeat in the league having been defeated by Wolves and Liverpool. Their only win to date came away to Crystal Palace in a game where they were slightly fortunate to the win having withstood a lot of pressure. It remains their only points on the road this season, however, and having had a terrible away record last season it is very much an issue that Hughes will have to sort out and he would be delighted if he can start with getting a positive result at the weekend.
Bournemouth v Southampton Betting Tip
This is a clash between two teams who have had very different starts to their season and Bournemouth will be looking to continue their excellent form with another home win that would give them an opportunity to move into the top four which, although still improbable, is testament to how well the Cherries have started this campaign. It’s very much the opposite for Southampton who will not be remotely interested in the top four and very much concerned by what lies below them with the possibility that they could end the weekend in the bottom three – a position that they were very much accustomed to last term. They face a difficult task at the Vitality on Saturday and will have to defend much better than has been the case for the majority of this season, as well as offering much more in attack.
Bournemouth have been clinical in front of goal this season and are averaging two goals a game with goals spread around the team. With their tails up it makes them a very difficult proposition for the visitors and it’s a prospect that I think will be too much so I’m taking the home win.
Selection: Bournemouth 21/20 @ William Hill
