AFC Bournemouth vs Sunderland Predictions

• Bournemouth have won two of their last three home league games
• Sunderland have lost their last three Premier League away matches
• The Black Cats have scored two goals in their last six away league contests

Rayan raises Bournemouth’s belief

Bournemouth have the firepower to edge Saturday’s mid-table Premier League skirmish with a Sunderland side on the slide. The Cherries’ winter addition of Brazilian striker Rayan looks just as astute as their previous captures of Evanilson and Eli Junior Kroupi.

Andoni Iraola’s side will probably have the three sharpest forwards on the pitch if the Spaniard selects a similar line-up to the one he deployed in a 0-0 draw at West Ham last week, although they must be more front-footed.

Bournemouth seemed happy to hog possession and fire off long shots without seeking the sort of penetration to really worry the Hammers, although they carved out some late chances on the break.

Bleak outlook for blunt Black Cats 

Sunderland suffered a third Premier League defeat in a row when they lost 3-1 at home to Fulham last Sunday. Confidence in the camp is at an all-time low for the season and morale cannot have been helped by the injury losses of star defender Nordi Mukiele and new signing Jocelin Ta Bi.

Granit Xhaka provided the only good news for the Black Cats on a bleak weekend as he returned from injury with 71 minutes gone. The Swiss international midfielder should be pushing for a start this week, although it may take him a game or two to regain his former influence.

Regis Le Bris’ side have not scored an open play goal in four games and lack a striker with the kind of instinct to sniff out an error or luck to see one go in off their backside.

Cherries chase European target

Bournemouth have not scored too many scruffy goals recently either but one that they did secured a dramatic three points against Liverpool. The fighting spirit they showed in that game suggests they will be absolutely fine this season.

Iraola’s men could even sneak a spot in Europe with eighth place, the position they currently occupy, offering a possible entry point to the Conference League. They are only two points off Brentford in seventh and would appear to have more to play for than the listing Black Cats.

Sunderland effectively sealed their safety goal by Christmas and do not look equipped to challenge in the top half right now, although they are only a couple of points back from their hosts. Back a Bournemouth win with a 2-0 play appealing in correct score markets. Although Iraola’s side have only one shutout win in their last eight at home, Sunderland have scored only twice in their last six away league trips.