Bournemouth vs Wolves predictions for Saturday’s Premier League affair at the Vitality Stadium. Who will prevail in this crucial clash in the bottom half? Will the Cherry be able to bounce back after the heavy defeat against Everton? Read on for all our free Premier League predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Saturday, 21st October at 3:00 pm In:
AFC Bournemouth vs Wolverhampton Predictions
[wptb id=395947]
South Coast Showdown: Can Bournemouth Rise or Will Wolves Continue Their Prowl?
Key Stats
– Wolverhampton boast three victories in their last four meetings with Bournemouth.
– Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke is their top scorer, with three goals this season.
After a gruelling start to the season, Bournemouth are on a quest for a much-anticipated victory as they host Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Cherries, who occupy the 19th spot in the league, have a turbulent beginning with only three draws and five defeats in their first eight encounters. While some may argue their tough initial fixture list is to blame, the recent 3-0 defeat at Everton has raised major concerns within the club.
However, this paints a stark contrast to Wolverhampton’s narrative. Despite facing challenges off the field during the summer, Wolves have found a relatively steady footing, being positioned 8th with a record of two wins, two draws, and four losses. Gary O’Neil’s commendable management has Wolves optimistic about their prospects, especially after securing a point against Aston Villa and stunning Manchester City.
The Cherries’ Plight
While Bournemouth’s fixture challenge is evident, with them competing against five of the previous season’s top nine teams, their lacklustre performance cannot be wholly attributed to this.
[wptb id=389088]
Andoni Iraola, brought on board for a more dynamic approach to football, is yet to establish his mark. With three consecutive losses, the pressure is on, and the looming match against Wolves is pivotal. Bournemouth’s resounding defeat to Everton, especially given the Toffees’ own struggles, was alarming. Such a result against a peer competitor poses severe doubts about their ability to escape the relegation zone.
However, it’s crucial to remember that with a squad brimming with talent, their current form is not reflective of their potential.
Wolves on the Prowl
The departure of Julen Lopetegui due to financial constraints during the pre-season could have spelled doom for Wolves. But under Gary O’Neil’s guidance, they’ve showcased resilience. Their consistent form, including an unexpected victory over Manchester City, has rejuvenated hope among the Wolves’ faithful. Moreover, Pedro Neto, Hwang Hee-chan, and Matheus Cunha’s brilliance in front of the goal signifies the side’s attacking prowess.
Key Players to Watch
Bournemouth:
- Dominic Solanke: The forward has shown sparks of brilliance, netting three times this season.
- Philip Billing: The midfielder’s consistent performances highlight his significance in the Cherries’ setup.
- Ryan Christie: Another midfield maestro who can make a difference.
Wolverhampton:
- Hee-Chan Hwang: With five goals to his name, Hwang is undoubtedly Wolves’ prime attacking threat.
- Pedro Neto: His current form makes him one of the league’s best outlets.
- José Sá: Maintaining an average expert rating of 7.50, he is a wall in the goal. Tactical Analysis Bournemouth’s main struggle seems to be defensively, conceding an average of 2.3 goals per game. The key area where this match might be decided is the midfield, given Bournemouth’s reliance on their core midfielders. The duels between Bournemouth’s Philip Billing and Wolves’ Pedro Neto might tilt the game’s balance. In terms of gameplay, Bournemouth might adopt a more conservative approach given their recent results, while Wolves, high on confidence, might dominate possession and look for early breakthroughs. Suggestions for Improvement Bournemouth: A more stable defensive strategy is crucial. Relying solely on their midfielders might backfire. Wolverhampton: While their attack is impressive, they should be wary of overcommitting, which could expose their defence. Managerial Spotlight While Iraola’s strategy promises a more intense football style, he’s yet to deliver. Critics argue he might be out of his depth in the Premier League. On the contrary, Gary O’Neil, with limited resources, has managed to keep Wolves on track, showcasing his adaptability and tactical prowess.
The Predictions
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS) Given the defensive vulnerabilities Bournemouth have showcased lately and the attacking prowess Wolves have displayed, particularly through players like Hee-Chan Hwang and Pedro Neto, it seems a reasonable assertion that both sides will find the net in the forthcoming fixture. Bournemouth, even though stationed near the bottom of the league, have still managed to put up some goal-scoring figures. Dominic Solanke has already registered three goals this season, indicating a potential threat up top. On the other side, Wolves, having scored in their most recent encounters and averaging 1.1 goals a game, seem poised to continue this trend. Thus, considering the attacking potential on display and certain defensive lapses from both teams, a BTTS seems a logical bet.
- Correct Score Prediction: 1-2 in favour of Wolves Bournemouth’s struggles this season have been evident, especially with a concerning goal difference. Yet, they have a squad that holds quality and can cause problems at their home ground. Wolves, on the other hand, seem to have found their footing under new management and their recent form suggests they could edge past their counterparts. However, given Bournemouth’s desperation for points and Wolves’ defensive record of conceding an average of 1.8 goals per game, it’s plausible that Bournemouth will notch a goal. Predicting a 1-2 outcome in favour of Wolves combines both the Cherries’ need for goals and Wolves’ superior form.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Hee-Chan Hwang The Wolves’ forward has had a remarkable start to the Premier League campaign, being the top scorer for his side with 5 goals. Hwang’s agility, quick thinking in the box, and clinical finishing have been a testament to his form, making him a likely candidate to score in the upcoming match. Bournemouth’s defensive lapses, evident from the 16-0 total goals conceded across their last three league games, further bolster Hwang’s chances of finding the back of the net. His recent form, combined with Bournemouth’s susceptibility at the back, makes him a promising pick for a goalscorer.
- First Half Result: Draw Bournemouth, being the home side and desperately searching for points, will likely come out of the blocks with some intensity. Their fervour to set things right, especially in front of a home crowd, will drive them to put up a spirited display. Wolves, known for their structured gameplay, might take a more cautious approach in the opening minutes. Considering Bournemouth’s passion to overturn their negative trend and Wolves’ somewhat conservative starts in away games, a stalemate at half-time seems a plausible prediction.
[wptb id=395947]
Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers
[wptb id=389092]
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips
Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!
