AliousWolves are gearing up for a crucial Premier League clash as they head south to face Bournemouth. This fixture marks their fourth consecutive encounter against a top-six side, making it a significant test for Vitor Pereira’s squad.
Despite falling 2-1 to Liverpool in their last outing, there are reasons for optimism within the Wolves camp. Pereira’s men put in a strong performance at Anfield and were arguably unlucky not to secure a point. With growing confidence, they now have the opportunity to hand Bournemouth their first consecutive league defeats since October 2023.
Key Insights Ahead of Bournemouth vs Wolves**
Historically, Wolves have performed well against Bournemouth in the Premier League, boasting a positive head-to-head record (P9, W4, D2, L3). Supporters will be hoping for another favorable result as they take on the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium.
Here are 10 key stats and facts to know before kickoff:
1. **Bournemouth have dominated recent meetings** – They’ve won three of their last four league matches against Wolves (L1), with all victories coming away from home.
2. **Wolves thrive at the Vitality Stadium** – They are unbeaten in their last four Premier League away games against Bournemouth (W2, D2), their longest undefeated streak against any opponent in the competition.
3. **Bournemouth are aiming for a league double** – After winning 4-2 at Molineux earlier this season, they could secure their third league double over Wolves, having previously achieved it in 1985-86 (third tier) and 2014-15 (Championship).
4. **Bournemouth’s strong form** – They’ve lost just once in their last 13 Premier League games (W8, D4). That lone defeat was a 0-2 loss to Liverpool, and they haven’t suffered back-to-back home defeats since October 2023.
5. **Wolves struggle against top-six opposition** – This marks their fourth straight away game against a top-six side, having lost the previous three. They have only one win in their last 28 league matches against such teams (D3, L24).
6. **Bournemouth’s attacking firepower** – They rank third in the league for total shots (403) and shots on target (147), trailing only Liverpool and Man City. Their expected goals (xG) tally of 47.8 is the fourth highest, behind Liverpool and Chelsea.
7. **Wolves’ defensive woes** – They have conceded 54 league goals this season, despite an expected goals against (xGA) of 41.6. The difference of -12.4 is the largest negative gap in the Premier League.
8. **Antoine Semenyo’s ball-carrying ability** – The Bournemouth winger has carried the ball a total of 4,878 meters this season, ranking third behind Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke (5,535) and Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski (5,070).
9. **Dango Ouattara’s influence** – The Cherries forward has contributed directly to nine goals (six goals, three assists) in his last 11 Premier League appearances.
10. **Jorgen Strand Larsen’s attacking movement** – The Wolves striker has made 80 targeted runs into the box this season, the highest in the Premier League.
The Bigger Picture
While Wolves currently sit above the relegation zone, the battle for survival remains intense. They hold a narrow two-point lead over Ipswich Town and Leicester City, with Southampton already doomed to the drop. Meanwhile, West Ham are comfortably eight points clear, leaving just one remaining safe spot up for grabs.
This matchup against Bournemouth could prove pivotal in Wolves’ survival bid, and with confidence growing despite recent setbacks, Pereira’s squad will be eager to secure a crucial result.
(*Stats courtesy of BBC Sport*)
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