Overview
Bournemouth may have been disappointed when they were promoted to the Leeds 2-2 draw last weekend, but they were actually lucky enough to get a point when they only created 0.39 xG from open play.
Notably, Andoni Iraola's team's last 3 goals have come from set pieces, while there have only been 2 goals from open play in the last 5 goals in all competitions.
Bournemouth's bright spot is in their defense. They are one of five teams to have faced the fewest shots (59), and four of the seven goals conceded this season have come against Liverpool in August. Since that only defeat, Bournemouth have won 3 and drawn 2, although both draws have come in the last two rounds.
At home at Vitality, their form is even more reliable. Bournemouth have lost just one of their last seven Premier League games, winning four and keeping four clean sheets.
Fulham started excitedly when they took the lead over Aston Villa in the third minute, but in the end still had to accept defeat. This was their sixth consecutive loss to Villa, despite only having to face four shots in the box. Marco Silva's side conceded 59 goals last season and before the defeat to Villa, they have conceded just three in the Premier League this season.
Fulham's recent history of confrontations with Bournemouth is quite balanced. Fulham lost 1-0 at Vitality in April and drew 2-2 at Craven Cottage in December 2024. Notably, the last four encounters between the two teams have had at least 3 goals.
A win over Bournemouth would see Fulham claim a fourth win in five games, with impressive performances - scoring five goals and conceding just one in their last three wins.
However, their biggest weakness is away. Fulham have not won any away matches this season (lost 2, drawn 1) and have lost 4/5 of their final away matches of the 2024-2025 season.
Personnel situation
Bournemouth have almost the strongest squad, except for right-back Adam Smith who will be out until after the October international break. It is likely that Alex Jimenez will continue to take charge of the right wing of the 4-man defense system, along with the central defender pair Bafode Diakite and Marcos Senesi.
In midfield, Tyler Adams and Alex Scott are making a strong impression, while Evanilson is sure to land due to a serious knee ligament injury to Enes Unal.
On Fulham's side, the biggest concern is Raul Jimenez's fitness. The Mexican striker is still being questioned about his ability to play after suffering from a knee problem, in the context of Rodrigo Muniz not recovering.
If Jimenez does not return in time, Adama Traore could be pushed to the starting lineup, especially when he came on as a substitute against Aston Villa in the last round.
In midfield, Sander Berge is likely to pair Sasa Lukic as a shield against the centre-back duo Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey.
Expected lineup:
Bournemouth: Petrovic, Jimenez, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert, Adams, Scott, Semenyo, Tavernier, Brooks, Evanilson.
Fulham: Leno, Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon, Lukic, Berge, Wilson, King, Iwobi, Traore.
The match between Bournemouth and Fulham takes place at 2:00 am on October 4 (Vietnam time).
