AFC Bournemouth vs Leicester City
This upcoming Premier League fixture will pose some important ramifications for both of these teams – and for different reasons.
AFC Bournemouth, who have been battling to survive in the English top-flight ever since the restart, would be keen on improving their overall record so that they can salvage some pride towards the end of the 2019/20 season.
Their visitors in Leicester City, on the other hand, would do everything in order to secure their Champions League spot especially given that the fifth-placed Manchester United team has been red hot since the project restart.
The Cherries are placed 18th in the updated Premier League standings with 28 points. Meanwhile, the Foxes sit at the fourth spot with 59 points.
So this weekend fixture will be played with a huge sense of urgency for both teams, especially since their Premier League 2020 results aren’t too promising recently.
Can the Cherries get a rare win at home? Or will the Foxes get a bite off the Cherries and send them down further into the abyss?
Here is today’s SBOBET match preview.
Talking Points
AFC Bournemouth coming in confident
After losing against the Red Devils in embarrassing fashion, Eddie Howe’s men sprung a surprise when they held Tottenham to a goalless draw just last night.
They were rejuvenated by the return of Callum Wilson who scored a late goal for the Cherries, but it was unfortunately rescinded by the VAR because of a handball.
But what’s impressive for Eddie Howe’s men in this one is their sturdy defence which didn’t allow any shots on target for Jose Mourinho’s side.
Last night was such a rare occurrence, especially for a Bournemouth squad who owns the third-worst defence in the league – having conceded 59 goals this term.
So naturally, they will come back to the Vitality Stadium beaming with confidence as they try to replicate their past performance in order to stay alive.
Leicester City need to make an adjustment
A late draw against the Gunners the other day may help the Foxes get their rhythm back, but Brendan Rodgers and his crew knows that there is still more work to do.
They are quite in a unique position in the Premier League table – sitting at fourth with Manchester United breathing down on their necks – and a late slip-up could derail their Champions League aspirations.
The Foxes aren’t really in great form ever since the league restart as they’ve only won once so far. In fact, their game against Arsenal may appear to be a fluke to some since questionable calls were made by the referees into their favour.
So they need to make some tweaks in order to finish strong, and their defence is one factor that they need to look into.
Their 3-4-3 scheme has drawn mixed results for the Foxes. While their midfield has been a strong point for them, their back looks leaky at times, which limits the team’s lethal attack.
When placed as the left centre-back, Caglar Soyuncu is often exploited by the opponent’s attack especially since Ben Chilwell isn’t there to cover up for his mistakes.
Jonny Evans and Ryan Bennett can help him on that regard, but sometimes their older legs might get beat by faster and younger strikers – leaving their goalkeeper vulnerable.
Brendan Rodgers should use Ben Chilwell more as their fourth full-back in order to address this concern.
History
Matches between Bournemouth and Leicester City have only come few and far between in recent years.
They have played in 11 matches together and Leicester City hold the advantage with four wins, while Bournemouth won twice along with five draws.
In the reverse fixture last August, Leicester City demoralised Bournemouth thanks to a brace by Jamie Vardy and a goal by Youri Tielemans.
Callum Wilson scored one of his own back then and for sure he will try to avenge that loss for this Sunday, especially now that he is back in the lineup after a two-game suspension.
Betting Tip
AFC Bournemouth vs Leicester City | Leicester City Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.29 | |
July 13, 02:00 (GMT+8) |
The latest Premier League 2020 odds are in favour for the road team on this one. Leicester City are significantly priced higher at 1.74 compared to AFC Bournemouth’s 4.80, while a draw is priced at 3.50 in the 1×2 market.
Goals are abundant when these two meet as they’ve shown in their recent encounters, so you may want to go for Over 2.50 @ 1.97?
With the home team being more complete this time around, it is understandable that they are much more confident than they are a few days ago.
However, the Foxes still have the better team and the top scorer of the league, and I’m afraid that the Cherries will be in for a world of pain at the Vitality Stadium this weekend.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH: | |||
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= €20 (Highly confident) | = €10 (CONFIDENT) | = €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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