Wolverhampton Wanderers return to Molineux for the first time since a goalless draw against Brighton and Hove Albion in March, with struggling AFC Bournemouth the visitors.
Nuno Espírito Santo saw his side win 2-0 at West Ham United on their Premier League return, while the Cherries struggled at home against Crystal Palace, losing by the same scoreline.
Battle at Both Ends as Wolverhampton Wanderers Hosts Struggling AFC Bournemouth
Wolverhampton Wanderers Gunning for Europe
A 7th placed finish in their first season back in the top flight since 2012 saw Wolves qualify for Europe. And this season is no different. Currently, the Wanderers sit level on points with Manchester United in 6th place.
Nuno’s side headed into the enforced break with just two league wins from their last six, but also managed three draws during that run. Their only defeat came at Anfield. The Premier League side also faced three Europa League matches in that same time.
In the league, Wolves have lost just six times. Only Liverpool (1) have lost more, with Manchester City and Sheffield United both losing seven.
Bournemouth Looking to Bounce Clear of Danger
At the other end of the table, it’s been a tough season for Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth. The Cherries are currently 18th in the Premier League, behind West Ham only on goal difference.
It’s been the Cherries’ worst season so far since they reached the top flight, having finished 16th in their debut campaign. They are also without a win on the road in 2020.
Against Palace, it was a relatively lacklustre performance from Eddie Howe’s side, something that has become all to familiar this season. His side have lost 17 league games, level with the Hammers and Aston Villa and just two less than the bottom club, Norwich City.
Team News
Raul Jimenez, who set the record for the most goals by a Wolves player in a Premier League season, will be looking to continue his scoring streak. Meanwhile, Nuno Espírito Santo has no fresh injury concerns.
As for Bournemouth, there could be a return for Philip Billing, while David Brooks should also be available after being substituted off with cramp against Palace. Charlie Daniels remains sidelined with a knee injury, and it looks like Joshua King will miss the match after picking up an ankle injury on Saturday.
Head to Head
There have only been 14 meetings between these two sides since 1948. Wolves have won five, with Bournemouth victorious on six occasions. Wolves won the reverse fixture earlier in the season and are unbeaten in their last three meetings, all of which have come in the Premier League.
Nuno’s side won this fixture 2-0 last season, with the Cherries last win against Wolves coming when the two sides were in the Championship.
Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 AFC Bournemouth
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