Prematch: Southampton vs AFC Bournemouth
Cherries will look to end a nine-game winless run when they take on Saints at midweek on Thursday
Published: April 25, 2023 19:09
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In short
After an impressive showing against Arsenal that saw them score three goals, Southampton FC are back for more Premier League action against AFC Bournemouth on Thursday evening at St Mary’s Stadium starting at 19:45 (GMT+1).
Southampton Remain Winless After Five Games Despite Taking Early Lead Against Arsenal
Southampton are still winless after five games [DLLLD], despite drawing 3-3 with Arsenal at the weekend and taking an early two-goal lead within 15 minutes, only for them to see Arsenal fight back with two goals of their own and eventually level the scoreline via Bukayo Saka (90′). However, Southampton failed to benefit from their point as they remain at the bottom of the table with 24 points (6 wins, 6 draws and 20 defeats). Southampton are four points away from safety ahead of Thursday’s matchup with Cherries. Saints currently rank third-worst for attack [alongside Wolves] in the Premier League, scoring only 27 goals [0.84 G/G] over 32 matches. Bournemouth have provided their opponent with an astounding 63 goals in 32 matches (or 1.97 per match) as their defense has proven so porous. Saints have lost 10 Premier League home games but hope to take an important step towards completing a league double over Bournemouth since 2010-2011. Ruben Selles may keep to 4-2-4-2 formation with Carlos Alcaraz and Theo Walcott up front when facing off against Bournemouth; Juan Larios, Che Adams and Mohammed Salisu will unfortunately all be unavailable on Thursday evening.
Bournemouth Hope to Rebound After Embarrassing 4-0 Loss, Face Southampton in Midweek Match
Bournemouth were defeated convincingly against West Ham United at the weekend and suffered an embarrassing 4-0 loss, with Gary O’Neil admitting afterwards: “We weren’t good enough in both penalty areas.” The Cherries [WLWWL] sit in 15th position with 33 points from nine wins, six draws, and 17 defeats; picking up nine out of 15 available points so far. On their trip to Southampton this weekend they will hope to collect three additional points that can put them firmly into playoff contention. However, they have yet to win in nine midweek Premier League matches played between Tuesday and Thursday [0W, 2D, 7L], failing to score a goal in any five such contests this season [0W, 1D, 4L]. Gary O’Neil could line up a 4–2–3-1 formation against Southampton for their midweek encounter, featuring striker Dominic Solanke up top. Ryan Fredericks and Junior Stanislas are ruled out, while Jack Stephens may face ineligibility against his parent club; Hamed Traore remains injury uncertain.
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