Burnley vs AFC Bournemouth Predictions

• Bournemouth have seen over 3.5 goals in 69% of their away games
• These two sides have conceded a combined 105 goals this term
• Burnley have let in 16 goals across their last five matches

Bournemouth off the boil

Bournemouth’s midseason rise under Andoni Iraola was enough to get them clear of danger and spark a run in the cup, but the Cherries are firmly out-of-sorts right now. They’re winless in seven in the Premier League, while they were beaten in the FA Cup by Leicester in midweek.

The Cherries have shown real quality this term, but they’re sinking back into the relegation battle. They won’t want to be sweating over survival in the run-in, but the gap between them and the bottom three has been cut to eight points. Sunday’s visit to second-bottom Burnley could be make or break for the Cherries, as failing to take maximum points could leave them wondering where their next win is coming from.

Clarets are sinking into second tier

At the start of the season, Vincent Kompany was expected to guide Burnley into a comfortable midtable finish. However, they’ve claimed just 13 points this term and they’re sliding back to the Championship. This season has been similar to their first in the Premier League under Sean Dyche, when they won promotion, largely accepted relegation and planned for a comeback.

It remains to be seen if Kompany has the same intention to stick around, having been linked with some jobs last summer. It’s hard to see him masterminding any kind of late rush to safety, with the Clarets losing seven of their last nine games and winning none.

Burnley have suffered 19 defeats this term and they’ve lost 10 of their 13 home games, so Bournemouth really need to target this clash as they desperately search for a boost.

Cherries likely to pour forward

Both of these sides can be accused of being a little too adventurous, but Bournemouth do have great attacking options who can build off that. Burnley are a side who are really struggling at the back, having conceded 32 times across their 13 home matches this season. While they do score a goal-per-game on average at their own ground, their commitment to going forward does tend to cost them.

Bournemouth have seen plenty of high scoring matches this term, with their defence still needing work. Away from home the Cherries have seen an incredible 69% of their matches finish with at least four goals scored. Burnley have seen the same in almost half of their home games, but that largely depends on the opposition’s scoring rate more than their own.

Bournemouth will leave gaps for Burnley here, but this is likely to turn into a shootout and the visitors should take it. Neither defence can be trusted with the pair conceding a combined 105 goals so far. Look to over 3.5 goals as the standout bet, while Billing is a great anytime goalscorer option. He has some way to go to match his seven goals from last term, but he was deployed as an attacking midfielder in midweek and led the side in shots. The Dane has a real eye for goal and he can punish a leaky Burnley defence.