Southampton vs AFC Bournemouth predictions: Cherries ready to sink Saints
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- Bournemouth are undefeated in their last six away games in the Premier League
- Southampton on a six-game losing streak at home in the Premier League
- Recommended bet: Bournemouth to win and both teams to score
Bournemouth have been one of the success stories in the Premier League this season and are one of the shock contenders for a European place and even a top-four finish.
In contrast, Southampton are enduring a campaign to forget and look set for a swift return to the Championship after winning the play-off final at Wembley last season.
With a mere two wins from their 24 games played to date and sitting 10 points from safety, it would be some achievement for the Saints to avoid the drop.
Saturday looks set to be another tough afternoon for home boss Ivan Juric against an in-form Cherries side looking to keep pace with the top four and extend their run to one defeat in 15 games in all competitions.
Team news
Nathan Wood, Ryan Fraser, Ross Stewart and Taylor Harwood-Bellis Sat out Southampton's 1-0 FA Cup home defeat at the hands of Championship side Burnley, but are set to return to the squad for Saturday.
The clash against Bournemouth is likely to come too soon for defender Jack Stephens who continues to recover from a calf injury.
As for the Cherries, Adam Smith, Alex Scott, James Hill and Luis Sinisterra are all pushing for a return to action.
Meanwhile, Marcos Sensi, Julian Araujo, Evanilson and Enes Unal all remain in the treatment room and will not feature.
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The stats
Bournemouth have been ticking along nicely away from the Vitality Stadium, going undefeated in their last six away games in the Premier League.
Southampton won their last league outing against fellow strugglers Ipswich Town, but before that Saints had failed to win any of their previous 13 games in the league.
No team has conceded more goals than Southampton this season, with Saints letting in 54 goals in their 24 games so far this term.
Bournemouth are undefeated in their last three visits to St Mary’s, winning twice and drawing once across those games.
Prediction
Bournemouth earned a 3-1 win when these sides met at the Vitality Stadium earlier this season and a similar scoreline might well be on the cards at St Mary’s on Saturday.
Southampton have scored in all of their last four Premier League games and they look to be capable of getting on the scoresheet against their south coast rivals.
However, given the Cherries' away form and their extra quality in the final third, Andoni Iraola’s side are good value to head back along the coast with the three points in the bag.
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