Wrexham vs Bournemouth Predictions

Wrexham vs Bournemouth predictions for this pre season clash. Bournemouth face Wrexham in their first pre-season friendly at Harder Stadium, California, in Santa Barbara. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.

Club Friendlies | Jul 21, 2024 at 12am UK at Harder Stadium

Wrexham vs Bournemouth Predictions

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Can Bournemouth Overcome Wrexham’s Challenge in California?

Bournemouth kick off their pre-season tour with a friendly against Wrexham at the Harder Stadium in California. As both teams prepare for their respective league campaigns, this match offers an intriguing glimpse into their readiness and potential.

Match Preview

Bournemouth’s Recent Form and Managerial Changes

Bournemouth’s decision to replace Gary O’Neil with Andoni Iraola was met with scepticism, yet the Spaniard steered the Cherries to a 12th-place finish in the Premier League last season. With 48 points, Bournemouth recorded their highest ever Premier League points tally, although their season ended on a sour note with three consecutive defeats.

Iraola’s impact was most evident in the attacking prowess of his team, highlighted by a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over Luton Town. Now, with pre-season fixtures lined up against Arsenal, Rayo Vallecano, and Girona, Bournemouth are eager to refine their strategies before facing Nottingham Forest in their league opener.

Wrexham’s Ascendancy and Ambitions

Wrexham, under the stewardship of Phil Parkinson, continue their meteoric rise, having secured back-to-back promotions. Finishing second in League Two last season, just four points behind Stockport County, Wrexham showcased their scoring capabilities by netting 89 goals in 46 matches. Their pre-season commenced with a commanding 5-1 win over Hanley Town, and they will aim to maintain this momentum against Bournemouth, Chelsea, and the Vancouver Whitecaps during their North America tour.

Team News and Lineups

Bournemouth’s Squad Considerations

Several key Bournemouth players are unavailable due to extended breaks following international duty. Tyler Adams, Luis Sinisterra, Ilya Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez, and Ryan Christie are expected to miss out. Additionally, Lloyd Kelly has departed for Newcastle United, while Enes Unal’s injury status remains uncertain. New signing Daniel Jebbison is poised to bolster the attack alongside Dominic Solanke, who was prolific last season with 19 Premier League goals.

Wrexham’s Preparations

Wrexham have made significant additions to their squad, including the permanent signing of goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and the acquisition of Lewis Brunt and Sebastian Revan. However, they will be without star striker Paul Mullin, recovering from a back operation. The team will rely on Ollie Palmer and Billy Dalby up front, supported by a midfield led by Elliot Lee.

Expected Lineups

Wrexham: Okonkwo; Bolton, Boyle, O’Connell, McClean; Jones, Dobson, Edwards, Lee; Palmer, Dalby

Bournemouth: Neto; Smith, Mepham, Senesi, Aarons; Cook, Scott; Semenyo, Billing, Tavernier; Solanke

Tactical Analysis and Key Duels

Midfield Battle and Attacking Dynamics

The midfield battle will be pivotal, with Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook and Alex Scott facing Wrexham’s creative linchpin Elliot Lee. Bournemouth’s midfield is known for its robust defensive work and quick transitions, whereas Wrexham’s midfield, led by Lee, excels in ball retention and chance creation. This duel could determine the flow of the game.

Bournemouth’s attack, spearheaded by Dominic Solanke, will test Wrexham’s defence. Solanke’s movement and finishing are crucial, supported by the creativity of Marcus Tavernier and Philip Billing. For Wrexham, the partnership of Palmer and Dalby will look to exploit any defensive lapses from Bournemouth.

Defensive Organisation and Set Pieces

Bournemouth’s defence, marshalled by Marcos Senesi, will need to be vigilant against Wrexham’s aerial threat, particularly from set pieces. Wrexham’s defenders, including Eoghan O’Connell, must be alert to the pace and trickery of Bournemouth’s wide players, Semenyo and Tavernier.

Expected Gameplay and Strategy

Bournemouth’s Approach

Under Iraola, Bournemouth are likely to adopt an attacking approach, focusing on quick transitions and high pressing. The team’s ability to maintain possession in the opposition half and create scoring opportunities through intricate play will be crucial. The absence of some key players might influence their defensive solidity, but the attacking trio of Solanke, Billing, and Tavernier can compensate with their scoring abilities.

Wrexham’s Tactics

Wrexham will aim to disrupt Bournemouth’s rhythm by pressing high and exploiting any defensive weaknesses. Their strategy will involve a mix of direct play and controlled build-up through the midfield. With their top scorer Paul Mullin absent, much will depend on Palmer and Dalby to deliver in front of goal.

Predictions

Best Bet: Bournemouth -1 to Win

Given the quality disparity between the two sides, Bournemouth are expected to dominate. Despite Wrexham’s recent form, Bournemouth’s Premier League experience and attacking firepower make them favourites. A -1 handicap on Bournemouth, considering their higher league status and the quality in their squad, is a sound bet. They should win comfortably by at least a two-goal margin, reflecting their superior tactical and technical abilities.

Correct Score Prediction: Bournemouth 3-1 Wrexham

While Wrexham have been prolific in front of goal, facing a Premier League defence poses a different challenge. Bournemouth’s attacking trio is likely to exploit any defensive frailties in Wrexham’s backline. The prediction aligns with the rationale of a Bournemouth win with a handicap, suggesting a 3-1 victory where Bournemouth’s offensive prowess outshines Wrexham’s efforts.

Goalscorer Prediction: Dominic Solanke to Score Anytime

Dominic Solanke’s 19-goal haul last season underlines his scoring prowess. Leading Bournemouth’s attack, Solanke is expected to be the main threat against Wrexham’s defence. His ability to find spaces and finish clinically makes him a strong candidate to score in this match, especially with the creative support from Billing and Tavernier.

Corner Prediction: Bournemouth to Win the Corner Battle

Bournemouth’s attacking style under Iraola results in numerous attempts on goal, often leading to corners. Last season, they averaged 6.2 corners per game, indicating their dominance in this aspect. Wrexham, facing a higher calibre of opposition, might struggle to match this intensity. Therefore, Bournemouth are likely to win the corner count, with the total number of corners in the game expected to exceed 10, reflecting the attacking intents of both teams.

Innovative Market: Total Shots on Target Over 8.5

Both teams have shown a propensity for attacking play, with Bournemouth averaging 4.9 shots on target per game and Wrexham also demonstrating offensive efficiency in their lower league.

Given the attacking nature of pre-season friendlies and the desire to test their attacking setups, both teams are likely to amass a significant number of shots on target. Betting on over 8.5 total shots on target presents a lucrative opportunity, as both sides will aim to assert their offensive strategies.

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