Tottenham vs Bournemouth – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Tottenham host Bournemouth in the English Premier League on Sunday. Spurs lost this fixture 3-2 at home last season and are leaking goals right now. The Cherries have six wins in their last seven matches with 18 goals scored in that streak.

Spurs Form

After a run of just one point and four losses in five matches, Spurs looked to be turning things around. They had taken a 1-0 lead in all five matches in that streak, but defensive injuries and suspensions cost them dearly. A 4-1 win over Newcastle stopped the rot having led 4-0 in the match.

Tottenham went to Nottingham Forest and won 2-0 in a steady display before beating Everton 2-1 at home. They gave up plenty of chances in that victory and were somewhat fortunate not to drop points. On Thursday, they were mauled 4-2 at Brighton having been 4-0 down after 63 minutes. They allowed 3.58 xG and seven big ‘chances’ in the loss.

Spurs Team News

Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven are both out injured in defence. With Eric Dier completely out of favour, Ange Postecoglou may again select Ben Davies and Emerson Royal at centre-back.

Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison remain injured in midfield and Yves Bissouma is suspended. Ivan Perisic and Manor Solomon are injured so attacking rotation options are more limited.

Spurs Motivation

Spurs need a big response at home. With their defensive woes, they are not equipped to absorb pressure and will have to outscore the Cherries.

A draw would feel like a defeat and Tottenham will do everything to win this match.

Bournemouth Form

Bournemouth are in top form. Having lost 6-1 at Man City in November, they were on a run of five losses in six league matches and Andoni Iraola was fighting for his job. They have since taken 19 points from seven matches in the league with six wins and a draw. A 2-0 home win over Newcastle and a 3-1 win at Sheffield United kick-started their season.

After drawing 2-2 at home to Aston Villa after conceding in the last minute, they’ve won 2-0 at Crystal Palace and thrashed Man Utd 3-0 at Old Trafford. The Cherries came from a goal down to win 3-2 at ten-man Nottingham Forest last weekend. On Boxing Day, they made light work of Fulham in a 3-0 home victory.

Bournemouth Team News

Coach Iraola is without midfielders Emiliano Marcondes, Lewis Cook (very doubtful), and Tyler Adams, who has still not kicked a ball for the club.

Milos Kerkez may be back to start at left back after winger Dango Ouattara deputised there in the win against Fulham. It could be an unchanged XI otherwise with Philip Billing and Luis Sinisterra featuring as subs.

Bournemouth Motivation

Confidence is through the roof right now so Bournemouth will play to win this match.

They play an expansive, open game and will only sit back towards the end of this one if they’re protecting a lead.

Key Stats

Spurs have won 2 of their last 5 home EPL matches (3 losses)

Tottenham have conceded 11 goals in 4 EPL matches without Romero

5 of the last 7 meetings between these sides have had 5 goals in the match

Bournemouth have won 6 of their last 7 matches (1 draw)

Bournemouth have scored 2+ goals in each of their last 7 matches (18 goals total)

Verdict

There will surely be loads of goals in this one. Spurs are leaking for fun, but they carry a big attacking threat. Bournemouth have a decent chance of leaving with something.

Best Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 1.95

Value Bet: Over 4.5 goals at 3.05

Goalscorer Tip: Son and Solanke to both score anytime at 5.93

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis