Bournemouth vs Fulham : predictions, lineups, betting tips & odds
The Vitality Stadium will host a pivotal Premier League clash as sixth-placed Bournemouth welcome Fulham this Sunday, December 29, with kickoff scheduled for 15:00 GMT. Both sides enter this fixture in remarkable form, with the Cherries unbeaten in their last 12 matches across all competitions, while Marco Silva’s Fulham have gone six games without defeat. This encounter carries significant weight in the top-half standings, as Fulham could potentially leapfrog their opponents with a victory at Craven Cottage.
Team news and predicted lineups
Bournemouth team news
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola faces several selection headaches ahead of Sunday’s clash. United States national team midfielder Tyler Adams could return from injury, providing a welcome boost. However, Justin Kluivert’s suspension for yellow card accumulation leaves a creative void. Defensive concerns persist with Marcos Senesi and Julio Soler sidelined, while right-back options remain limited with Julian Araujo and Adam Smith unavailable. In attack, Luis Sinisterra, Evanilson, and Enes Unal are all missing, with Marcus Tavernier still recovering from a hamstring issue.
Fulham team news
The Cottagers will be without standout left-back Antonee Robinson due to suspension after accumulating five yellow cards. Kenny Tete remains sidelined until late February with a knee problem, while Sander Berge’s ankle injury continues to keep him out. Reiss Nelson’s hamstring issue rules him out until mid-February, and Emile Smith Rowe is doubtful with a knock. There’s positive news regarding Harrison Reed, who could return to the squad after his recent absence.
Predicted formations
| Bournemouth (4-2-3-1) | Fulham (4-2-3-1) |
|---|---|
| Kepa | Bernd Leno |
| Aarons, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Milos Kerkez | Timothy Castagne, Issa Diop, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey |
| Tyler Adams, Cook | Sasa Lukic, Tom Cairney |
| Semenyo, Billing, Ouattara | Harry Wilson, Andreas Pereira, Alex Iwobi |
| Evanilson | Rodrigo Muniz |
Recent form and tactical analysis
Bournemouth’s form
The Cherries have been nothing short of sensational recently, placing themselves firmly in European contention. Their attacking prowess was on full display in their emphatic 5-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest and 4-1 victory against Newcastle. Andoni Iraola’s high-intensity pressing system has earned plaudits from Premier League peers, including Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta who described them as “very well coached, super intense, and really competitive.” Their sixth-place standing represents remarkable progress under the Spanish tactician.
Fulham’s recent results
Fulham’s unbeaten streak includes impressive draws against Liverpool (2-2) and Arsenal (1-1), plus a historic 2-1 triumph at Chelsea – their first win at Stamford Bridge in 45 years. Currently eighth in the table, just six points behind Bournemouth, Marco Silva’s men have shown significant tactical flexibility during this run.
Tactical approaches
Expect a fascinating chess match between two contrasting styles. Bournemouth’s relentless pressing and direct attacking play will challenge Fulham’s organized defensive structure and counter-attacking prowess. Without Kluivert’s creativity, Iraola may deploy a slightly more conservative approach, while Silva will likely task Alex Iwobi and Harry Wilson with exploiting the flanks in Robinson’s absence.
Prediction and betting tips
Match prediction
This encounter has all the ingredients for an entertaining Premier League spectacle. Both teams demonstrate excellent goal-scoring form while showing occasional defensive vulnerabilities. Fulham’s home advantage at Craven Cottage balances against Bournemouth’s superior league position. Given recent performances, a 2-2 draw seems the most probable outcome in what should be an open, attack-minded contest.
| Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Meetings) | |
|---|---|
| Fulham wins | 1 |
| Bournemouth wins | 2 |
| Draws | 2 |
| Last meeting | Fulham 3-1 Bournemouth (February 10, 2024) |
Betting recommendations
- Both Teams to Score (Yes): Given both sides’ attacking tendencies and recent scoring records, expect goals at both ends.
- Over 2.5 Goals: Bournemouth have scored nine goals in their last two matches, while Fulham have been regularly finding the net against top opposition.
- Match Result: Draw: Both teams are evenly matched and in excellent form, making a stalemate the most likely outcome.
Viewers in the UK won’t be able to watch this fixture live on television, while US fans can tune in via Peacock. Canadian supporters can catch the action on fuboTV Canada and Fubo Sports Network 7 Canada. With referee Ron Jones taking charge and Peter Bankes on VAR duties, expect a thoroughly entertaining Premier League clash between two of the division’s in-form sides.
