Sunderland vs Bournemouth preview prediction, team news, and head-to-head

Sunderland have gone from the highs of defeating Chelsea and taking points off leaders Arsenal to losing away at Fulham in disappointing fashion.

Bournemouth have one win in five games, and are in danger of sliding further down the table.

Sunderland delivered one of their poorest performances since returning to the Premier League last week, attempting a season-low four shots in a 1-0 defeat to Fulham.

While the Black Cats sit seventh and just two points adrift of the top four, they have now gone three games without a win, and it appears their honeymoon in the top flight may be over.

Regis Le Bris’ men will be hopeful of rediscovering the winning touch at the Stadium of Light, where they’re unbeaten in the league this season (W3, D3).

Bournemouth have been disappointing on the road, losing four of their last 7 games away from home, and now face a tricky test at the Vitality Stadium.

Despite rallying from two goals down to rescue a 2-2 draw with West Ham at home last week, it was still a frustrating afternoon for manager Andoni Iraola, who believed his side should have taken all three points.

The rivalry between Sunderland and Bournemouth has always been a tight affair, and the head-to-head record proves it. In their last four meetings, they’ve simply traded blows, with each side claiming two victories.

The most recent clash, back in April 2017, saw Bournemouth narrowly scrape a 1-0 win, just a few months after Sunderland had edged out a close 2-1 victory in November 2016. This one has all the ingredients for another tense, closely contested match.

Sunderland will definitely be without Habib Diarra as he recovers from a groin injury.

The Black Cats also have several major doubts heading into the weekend: Romaine Mundle is questionable due to a hamstring issue, while both Leo Hjelde (Achilles) and Ajibola Alese (shoulder) are 50/50 and face a race against time to be declared fit.

Bournemouth will be without winger Ben Doak, who is a long-term absentee after picking up a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, the Cherries are sweating on the fitness of two key forwards: Justin Kluivert is a doubt after picking up a knock, and Antoine Semenyo is also 50/50 for this one as he manages a pre-existing ankle issue.

Sunderland: Roefs, Hume, Ballard, Geertruida, Mukiele, Mandava, Traoré, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fée, Isidor

Bournemouth: Petrović, Cook, Diakité, Senesi, Truffert, Adams, Scott, Brooks, Kroupi, Tavernier, Evanilson

This should be a close game. Sunderland are strong defensively, and their home form, coupled with Bournemouth's wretched record on the road, suggests a slim victory for the hosts.

• Sunderland win

• Over 1.5 goals

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