Sean Dyche returns to the Premier League as the new Nottingham Forest boss hopes to lead his side to an upset against high-flying Bournemouth.
Match News and Current Form
Despite failing to hold on to a 2-0 lead last weekend to eventually draw 3-3 with Crystal Palace, Bournemouth still enter the weekend remarkably sat inside the top four. After threatening to finish in the European places last term before some poor end of season form saw them fall away, manager Andoni Iraola has expertly managed to rejuvenate his side after that disappointment. The Cherries are unbeaten in seven Premier League games (W4, D3) - the longest current run in the competition, and with three of those four victories coming on home soil, more success seems probable again here.
Nottingham Forest fans finally had something to smile about on Thursday as their side ran out 2-0 winners against Porto in the UEFA Europa League, ending a miserable ten-match winless run across all competitions in the process (D3, L7). It was the perfect start for Dyche, who is already Forest’s third manager this season - the earliest into a season a club has ever had three permanent bosses in Premier League history! He’s tasked with lifting the Tricky Trees out of the relegation zone with improvements up front sorely needed, as Forest have scored a pre-round joint-league low five times so far, but some burden could be lifted off the forwards as Thursday’s victory delivered a first clean sheet in 21 matches across all competitions.
Head-to-Head History
Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last ten league games against Forest (W6, D4), while Forest have won just one of their last 11 away league H2Hs (D3, L7), losing 5-0 on this ground last season.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Bournemouth have won 13 of their last 19 Premier League matches against sides starting the day in the relegation zone.
Eleven of Bournemouth’s last 17 home league wins have been accompanied by a clean sheet.
Forest have conceded 2+ goals in four of their last five away games.
Pre-round, no side has conceded more goals after half-time in the Premier League this season than Forest (11).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Only Erling Haaland has been involved in more Premier League goals this season than Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo (G6, A3), and he netted beyond the 85th minute in both H2Hs last term. Igor Jesus has five goals in 11 games for Forest this season, three of which came before the 25th minute.
Bournemouth will be without David Brooks and Evanilson here, while Forest’s Chris Wood is doubtful.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
With five of the six Premier League H2Hs witnessing both sides score, the over 2.5 goals market is a tempting option.
Author: Nathan Evans