Bournemouth hosting Sunderland on Saturday will see the only winless side left in the Premier League take on the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth vs Sunderland: Match Preview
Bournemouth, currently tenth in the standings, host a Sunderland club at the bottom of the table with only two points from their opening ten games.
Current Form
Bournemouth lost during the last round of fixtures, but they have made a solid base from which they can build. A narrow victory against Everton and a 6-1 hammering of Hull City has shown that this team is here to play and up to the challenge of the Premier League.
On the other hand, one win from the previous four fixtures suggests that there is definitely room for improvement.
In contrast, Sunderland have been having a torrid time. Having not won a single game in their opening ten fixtures, manager David Moyes is in desperate need of a result. Three points would be a welcome boost for everyone at the club.
With one draw and three losses in their last four, it can only get better for the Black Cats.
Team News
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe will be without midfielder Andrew Surman after he sustained an injury during the 2-0 loss at Middlesbrough last weekend.
This means that Dan Gosling could be recalled to take Surman’s place. Winger Junior Stanislas is still struggling with a calf problem and might also miss out on the match.
Sunderland will be without their manager on the sidelines for this fixture. David Moyes is currently serving a one-game touchline ban for swearing at the fourth official. This came during his side’s defeat at Southampton in an EFL Cup tie.
His team will also be without captain John O’Shea due to a hamstring injury sustained in last weekend’s 4-1 defeat to Arsenal. Vito Mannone, Jan Kirchhoff, Sebastian Larsson, Lee Cattermole, Fabio Borini and Jason Denayer all continue to miss out due to various injuries.
Statistics
Bournemouth have only won once in the eight meetings between these sides; a 2-0 victory last season with goals from Callum Wilson and Matt Ritchie.
Sunderland are in the midst of their worst start ever to a Premier League season, drawing two and losing eight in their first ten matches.
The Cherries have used the fewest players so far this league season with 19.
The Black Cats have only led for a total of 42 minutes this season, lower than any other Premier League team.
Final Thoughts
Bournemouth versus Sunderland is a game both sides will be looking to get something from. Having lost during the previous round of fixtures, Bournemouth will be keen to continue the quest to ensure their Premier League status. Another three points on Saturday would continue them on a successful path.
Sunderland, however, will be hoping to secure their first victory of the season. If they can manage it here or at home against Hull next week, they could ease the pressure on their manager. Otherwise, with a tricky tie at Liverpool in two weeks time, their awful run of form may look set to continue.
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