Bournemouth are hoping to earn a vital win in their quest to survive in the Premier League when they take on a Fulham team who will be without their top scorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Gary O’Neil’s men are desperate to improve their position in the table as they are currently 19th, although they remain within touching distance of escaping the drop zone, just one point behind 17th-placed Leicester City.
The Cherries’ win over Liverpool in their last home match should at least give them confidence going forward in what is set to be a close scrap.
By contrast, Fulham are safe after performing above expectations and are chasing an unlikely European berth for next season.
However, Mitrovic’s moment of madness against Manchester United in the FA Cup will rule him out of the next three games at least.
Bournemouth vs Fulham Betting Tips
Team news
Bournemouth could be without injured trio Marcus Tavernier, Junior Stanislas and Illia Zabarnyi, with all of them set for late fitness tests.
David Brooks is hoping for a first start for nearly two years following his comeback against Aston Villa as a substitute – his first appearance since being given the all-clear from cancer.
Fulham are without Mitrovic following his red card in the FA Cup against Manchester United with the Serbian likely to be banned for longer than the standard three games.
Brazilian playmaker Willian is also unavailable for selection after he was also dismissed at Old Trafford, meaning there could be starts for both Carlos Vinicius and Dan James.
Draw and both teams to score @ 16/5
At this moment, avoiding defeat is a bonus for any team near the bottom of the Premier League table with so many teams battling down the wrong end of the standings.
Bournemouth have managed to win two of their last five games which is good going considering their position in the table.
The Cherries have lost only two of their last six matches at the Vitality Stadium (winning two and drawing two) and being strong at home is likely to be key to their survival aims.
Fulham are going strong in the top flight but it cannot be underestimated how much Mitrovic will be missed, given he has scored nearly a third of their goals.
Veteran Willian has also been outstanding and will be a huge void to fill in the immediate future.
The last three meetings between the two sides have ended all square and with Bournemouth having won only six of 27 league games this season, they might struggle to put Fulham away, with a draw well worthy of consideration.
Given O’Neil’s side has scored in eight of their last nine games at the Vitality Stadium and Fulham have bagged in 13 of their last 15 away games, both sides are still expected to trouble the scoreboard, even without Mitrovic, with a 1-1 correct score looking appealing at 11/2.
Dominic Solanke to score anytime @ 15/8
Solanke is Bournemouth’s main man up front and although he hasn’t been a regular goalscorer, he has been important in terms of his hold-up play and aerial ability.
The former Chelsea and Liverpool man has scored four times across all competitions this season, one of them coming in the 2-2 draw at Fulham earlier this season.
He also scored against the Cottagers in both Championship meetings last year and has a good record versus the West London side, making him one to watch in the goalscorer markets.
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