An in-form Bournemouth take on a Leeds United side in the ascendancy in the relegation race, and the Cherries could take a big step towards Europe on Wednesday.
Europe is on the minds of teams between sixth and 12th in the Premier League standings, with Bournemouth probably the one in top form among the others. Back-to-back away wins against Arsenal and Newcastle United have quashed the notion that their club-record unbeaten run of 13 games only has draws in it, as the Cherries now have six wins in that run.
Adrien Truffert scored a late winner at St. James’ Park in what was an entertaining game against an out-of-sorts Newcastle United side. There is a big argument to see Andoni Iraola’s farewell tour ending in continental qualification, as they could climb to sixth place if they beat Leeds United and Chelsea drop points against Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday.
Teams between sixth (Chelsea) and 12th (Fulham) are only separated by three points after the weekend, which will give Bournemouth every chance to stake their claim in that race. Champions League qualificaation is certainly a bit out of reach, but not impossible; the Europa League or Conference League is certainly in their sights.
However, for Iraola to succeed in his farewell tour, he must overcome Leeds United, against whom the Cherries have two wins in 15 games. Meanwhile, Daniel Farke has his Leeds United side fit and firing on all cylinders as they put relegation favourites Wolves to the sword at Elland Road.
Quickfire goals from James Justin and Noah Okafor in the first half proved enough for the hosts to see out the game, as a late Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty only added gloss to the result. That win was another big result for Leeds United, who successfully followed up their victory over Manchester United from last Monday to extend their gap over the relegation zone.
With 18th-placed Tottenham suffering a late draw and West Ham dropping points too, the gap between Leeds United and Spurs is eight points heading into this game. Given their overall superior record of losing just twice to Bournemouth in 15 games, Farke will be confident of getting another big result in their current run of form.
A win at the Vitality Stadium will see Leeds United cross the magical 40-point mark and take a big step towards confirming their safety in the Premier League.
Team News & Tactics
Bournemouth
Despite their decent performances, Bournemouth are still without a few of their key stars, such as Justin Kluivert, but they could see Lewis Cook and Julio Soler take significant steps towards returning to the squad. The duo has taken part in full training, which could play on Andoni Iraola’s mind when naming the matchday squad.
The probability of making too many changes is low at the moment, meaning Tyler Adams might have to stay on the bench, with Alex Scott and Ryan Christie continuing their partnership in the middle of the park.
Even the attacking setup is currently well-defined as far as Iraola is concerned, as Evanilson will lead the line, while Marcus Tavernier, Junior Eli Kroupi and Rayan will feature in the final third.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Christie, Scott; Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson
Leeds United
There was more positive injury news than fresh problems for Daniel Farke in the win over Wolves, as Joe Rodon made a substitute appearance after recovering from an ankle problem. The Welsh international could have the chance to feature in that back three on Wednesday.
For now, Farke has no reason to change his trio of James Justin, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, but the upcoming FA Cup encounter could play its role in his thinking.
He might retain the trio while keeping most of his lineup intact from the two recent wins. On the injury front, the likes of Anton Stach and Daniel James are close to returning, but there are doubts over whether they will make the matchday squad for Wednesday.
Keeping familiarity in the team, Okafor has been in sublime form for Leeds United, with five goals and three assists in his last seven games, making him a sure starter, alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Darlow; Justin, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Aaronson, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin
Key Stats
- Bournemouth are undefeated in their last 13 matches in the Premier League.
- Bournemouth have only managed two wins in their last 15 games against Leeds United.
- Leeds United are unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions. The Whites have a gap of eight points over the relegation zone.
- Daniel Farke has never lost a Premier League game against Bournemouth in three previous meetings (W1 D2). They Whites are one of only two teams he’s faced but not lost against, along with Brentford (W1 D2).
Player to Watch
Noah Okafor
Goals are the currency at Elland Road, as Leeds United seem to be in a hurry to confirm their survival in the Premier League. The wins over Manchester United and Wolves were crucial, with Swiss attacker Okafor playing a huge role in that run.
Okafor has five goals and three assists in Leeds United’s last seven games, while scoring in each of their last three games on the road. Hence, Okafor will be the main attacking threat for Leeds United, and given his form, he is widely expected to make his mark against Bournemouth.
Prediction
Bournemouth 2-2 Leeds United
These are two teams that have not shown any signs of giving up in games, and the upcoming encounter could be another one where they fight it out to entertain. Bournemouth are on a tremendous unbeaten run, but they could be thoroughly tested in their resolve against Leeds United.
Leeds United are no pushovers, considering the manner of their recent wins, which does give them a good chance against Bournemouth on Wednesday. However, there is not much separating the two teams, which could see them share the spoils in an entertaining draw at the Vitality Stadium.
