Newly promoted Bournemouth face underperforming Stoke at the Britannia Stadium in a match that is sure to be an interesting encounter.
The pair are in similar positions on the table so this suggests a tight scoreline on Saturday. Bournemouth have accumulated seven points from six games and would be reasonably content with their tally thus far, level with reigning champions Chelsea, who are stuck on the same amount of points as the Cherries. A 4-3 win against West Ham would have to be their highlight of the season so far.
In contrast, Stoke are facing the drop early after only clocking three points so far this season. The Potters should be in a much better position, but not all hope is lost. A fantastic performance against Spurs earlier this year would be a focal point but they are still yet to pick up a win in the Premier League.
Last week, Bournemouth faced the struggling Sunderland, who they dispatched with ease in a 2-0 victory while also taking on Preston North End in the League Cup on Tuesday. They ended up tied at the end of extra time and Bournemouth won on penalties. Stoke City drew their last league game against in-form Leicester, but should have won it being 2-0 up at half time and at home. They also won 1-0 in the Capital One Cup against Fulham thanks to a goal from Peter Crouch.
A win could take Bournemouth up to sixth but a loss could mean they slide down to 17th place. Stoke City cannot move too much in the table, but a loss will put them rock bottom and not for the first time this season.
Key Battle – The battle of the defences
Stoke City are yet to keep a clean sheet and would have conceded more often if goalkeeper Jack Butland had not been playing. Their back four has been disappointing and at times have let the whole team down. Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s defence has not been much better, having only kept a clean sheet once in six games. This match may be decided on which defensive line blinks first.
Team News
The only injured Stoke City players are Mame Diouf and Ryan Shawcross. Diouf, however, is a chance to return after suffering a hamstring problem. Jonathan Walters or Peter Crouch will likely take this place. Charlie Adam and Ibrahim Afellay will return from suspensions and could also play a part in the match.
Stoke City Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Butland (GK); Pieters, Wilson, Cameron, Johnson; van Ginkel, Whelan; Arnautovic, Bojan, Shaqiri; Walters.
Bournemouth are not likely to make too many changes after a strong outing in their last league match.
Bournemouth Expected XI (4-4-2): Boruc (GK); Daniels, Cook, Distin, Francis; Pugh, Surman, Gosling, Ritchie; Tomlin, Wilson.
Head-to-Head
Unsurprisingly, there have not been many meetings between these teams. Stoke have won 11 games, Bournemouth five and six draws.
Previous Meeting
Stoke and Bournemouth last met in 2003 in an FA Cup match. Stoke defeated Bournemouth 3-0 on that occasion.
Prediction
Plenty of goals could be scored in this match and Stoke City should be winning this game. Both teams will come out and play an attacking style, but the Potters will be desperate for the win after giving up points last week. However, Bournemouth are in good form after a win against Sunderland so this game will be tight and could mean a share of the spoils.
Stoke City 2 Bournemouth 2
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