Bournemouth vs Sunderland prediction

Bournemouth welcome Sunderland to the Vitality Stadium for a crucial Premier League round seven encounter featuring two sides hovering near the foot of the table. Bournemouth sit eighteenth in the relegation zone with three points from their opening six fixtures, having recorded three draws and three defeats. Still seeking their first league victory of the campaign, the Cherries will look to capitalise on home advantage after netting three goals across three home outings.

Sunderland occupy seventeenth place, just one point above their hosts with a record of one victory, one draw, and four losses. While the Black Cats have suffered two defeats in three road fixtures, they have shown attacking verve on their travels by scoring five goals away from home, averaging 1.7 goals per away contest.

Both defensive units have encountered difficulties early in the season. Bournemouth have yet to register a clean sheet in six league matches and concede an average of 2.2 goals per game. Sunderland have similarly conceded eight goals across three away trips without keeping a clean sheet on the road. With both teams needing points to climb out of danger and both showing vulnerabilities at the back, an open and competitive match is anticipated.