Premier League: Sunderland Seek Retribution Against Bournemouth Eight Years Later

Sunderland vs Bournemouth

Sunderland will be hoping to banish the painful memories of the past when they host Bournemouth anew at the Stadium of Light for their next Premier League match on Saturday. These two teams aren’t far apart in the English top-flight standings. The hosts are seventh, and the visitors are eighth, both level on 19 points and tied with sixth-seeded Brighton.

The Black Cats are coming off a 1-0 loss against the Cottagers at Craven Cottage, extending their slump to three games (D2, L1). On the other hand, the Cherries are fresh from a 2-2 draw against the Hammers at the Vitality Stadium last weekend, and they are also winless in their last three (D1, L2).

This is a fascinating game for both sides, as a victory would help in their European football push. Without further ado, read on for the SBOTOP preview of this contest.

 

Talking Points

Sunderland seeking home comforts

Sunderland are punching above their weight this season because of their superb home record. Regis Le Bris’ side is undefeated at home so far (W3, D3), picking up just two fewer points in six games this season (12) than they did at home in the whole of their last English top-flight campaign in 2016-17 (14 in 19 games).

Their last home game was a commendable draw against table leaders Arsenal, as Brian Brobbey hit the stoppage-time equaliser to salvage a point. Sunderland looked like they may scrape another point against Fulham, but a lapse from Trai Hume, Daniel Ballard, and Robin Roefs cost them a late matchwinner from Raul Jimenez.

Fortunately for Le Bris, Sunderland didn’t sustain new injuries, so he’s expected to deploy the same starting XI against Bournemouth. It also helps that centre-back Omar Alderete is in contention for a starting spot after missing the last four games due to a concussion. However, the team must be aware of their card situation, as midfielders Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki, at four yellow cards each, are one away from a one-match suspension.

 

Kroupi needs to get going again for Bournemouth 

Eli Junior Kroupi has been unlocked by head coach Andoni Iraola this season, as the 19-year-old Frenchman is already among the league’s top scorers with four goals, level with West Ham United’s Callum Wilson and Chelsea’s Joao Pedro. Because of his blend of athleticism and finishing, Kroupi has been likened to Sergio Aguero and Kylian Mbappe.

However, the hype surrounding Kroupi has cooled down, as he hasn’t scored during the Cherries’ three-game winless run. After a lacklustre performance against West Ham United, Kroupi would get another opportunity to return to the scoresheet against the Black Cats, especially since Justin Kluivert is nursing an injury he sustained during the international break.

Besides Kroupi, Sunderland will also have Antoine Semenyo and Marcus Tavernier in their scouting report, as the duo has combined for nine goals so far. Many eyes will be on Semenyo, as the 25-year-old forward is linked with various bigger clubs. 

 

History

As mentioned, Sunderland have a score to settle with Bournemouth, as the latter was directly responsible for sending the former to the Championship. Bournemouth registered a 1-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in April 2017, courtesy of Joshua King’s late winner, ending the Black Cats’ 10-year stint in the English top-flight. During the 2016-17 campaign, Sunderland only won five games all season.

Saturday marks the 11th meeting between these two teams. The Black Cats have the edge in the overall head-to-heads with five wins, while the Cherries have two losses and three draws.

Bournemouth have won two of their four Premier League games against Sunderland (D1, L1), having not won any of their first four league meetings with the Black Cats between 1988 and 1990 (D1, L3).

 

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2025 odds predict a close fight between Sunderland and Bournemouth this Saturday. The Cherries have the slight advantage at 2.33 to win, whereas the Black Cats aren’t far behind at 2.82 in the 1X2 market. Given how evenly matched these two teams are on paper, we believe there’s great value in going for a draw at 3.14.

Both teams are capable of creating new Premier League 2025 highlights this weekend at the Stadium of Light. Besides our recommended bet, bettors can also add Over 2.25 at 1.69, Over 2.50 at 1.96, Over 2.75 at 2.21, and Total Goal 2-3 at 1.98 to the parlay. Moreover, a Correct Score of 1-0 in favour of the Cherries – the result of their last English top-flight encounter – is on offer at 7.80 your bet.

   

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