Overview
Southampton are slowly feeling the rigors of the Premier League after winning promotion in the 2024-2025 season. After the first 5 rounds, they only had 1 draw against Ipswich and lost 4 matches.
It's no surprise that Southampton have the worst attack in the league, with just two goals scored in five games. Defensively, despite signing goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal, they've still conceded nine goals so far.
Therefore, the match against Bournemouth is expected to be very difficult for Southampton. Except for 2 defeats against Chelsea and Liverpool in the last 2 rounds, Bournemouth has 1 win, 2 draws after 5 rounds. In which, the most notable is the impressive 3-2 comeback victory against Everton despite being 0-2 down until the 87th minute.
Southampton will obviously be looking for their first win in the Premier League this season, but Bournemouth are certainly not an easy opponent to bully.
Both teams have failed to make an impact this season. The match is likely to end in a draw as both sides have yet to find their rhythm.
Southampton, however, can be confident as they have won all three of their last visits to Vitality and kept a clean sheet. However, in the last encounter between the two teams in April 2023, Bournemouth were the winners.
Human resources situation
Bournemouth have a near full strength squad for this game, with Tyler Adams their only notable absentee, sidelined with a back injury.
Southampton have a number of injury problems to contend with, with Gavin Bazunu, Juan Larios, Kamaldeen Sulemana and William Smallbine all ruled out of the game through injury. Jack Stephens is also out through suspension.
Expected lineup:
Bournemouth: Arrizabalaga, Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez, Christie, Cook, Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier, Evanilson.
Southampton: Ramsdale, Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Taylor, Downes, Ugochukwu, Dibling, Fernandes, Lallana, Archer.
The match between Bournemouth and Southampton takes place at 2:00 am on October 1 (Vietnam time).
