AFC Bournemouth vs Sunderland Predictions

• Sunderland have lost four of their six league games
• Bournemouth have only lost one of their last 14 home games
• Both teams have scored in Sunderland’s last seven away league matches

European campaigns stretching squads thin

Both Bournemouth and Sunderland are embarking on historic Europa League campaigns this season, with the Cherries playing in Europe for the first time and Regis Le Bris’ men returning for the first time since 1974.

It has negatively affected the league form of both clubs, with Bournemouth starting the weekend 18th after failing to win any of their first six games while the Black Cats are just a point above after losing four of their six outings.

The pressure has been mounting somewhat on Marco Rose after the hosts’ winless start but they have put in some very impressive performances and it has ultimately been their inability to see out games which has cost them.

Rose’s side have dropped nine points from winning positions and if they can tighten up that statistic, they should rise rapidly up the table.

Bournemouth were impressive 3-0 winners over Sturm Graz in their first ever European home game on Thursday and they will be looking to transfer that strong showing into picking up a first league win.

Bleak outlook for Black Cats 

Sunderland also won in the Europa League in midweek but their success was much less convincing, capping what has been a run of underwhelming performances from the visitors.

Regis Le Bris’ men needed an injury-time winner to beat second-tier Portuguese side Torreense and they are worth taking on in this clash.

Sunderland’s only win in the league came against Fulham, who came into this weekend bottom of the table, and the absence of Dan Ballard through injury is a real blow. 

Even last season, their away form was not much to write home about and a long trip to Bournemouth is the last thing they need after their first European trip of the campaign.

In contrast, the Cherries have been enjoying home comforts all week and their lack of travel is a big benefit to Rose’s men.

Both teams can play their part

No team has faced fewer shots than Bournemouth’s 64 this season and they could start to click soon enough. Side with the home team to pick up their first three points of the campaign.

Both teams have scored in Sunderland’s last seven away games in the league and they can get on the scoresheet once more, although their busy schedule leaves them vulnerable. Side with Bournemouth to win this one 3-1.

Evanilson scored for the home team in the week and looks a decent bet to get on the scoresheet once more after chipping in with a league goal and three assists already this term.