Football Previews

Southampton vs Bournemouth preview, predictions & possible XIs

By Steve Jennings

southampton v bournemouth preview

Published: 18:10, 19 September 2019

Southampton go into Friday’s south-coast derby against Bournemouth aiming for a fourth win in five matches across all competitions.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth will be looking to build on their impressive victory over Everton last weekend, potentially recording back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

The Cherries’ task will be a tough one given Southampton have conceded just one goal in their last four games.

What’s more, the Saints are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Bournemouth.

Read on for our preview, predictions & possible XIs and more.

When is Southampton vs Bournemouth and where can I watch live?

Competition: Premier League

Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium

Date: Friday, 20 September 2019

Kick-off: 8:00 PM BST

TV coverage (UK): Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League

Last five meetings: Southampton vs Bournemouth

27 April 2019: Southampton 3-3 Bournemouth (Premier League)

20 October 2018: Bournemouth 0-0 Southampton (Premier League)

28 April 2018: Southampton 2-1 Bournemouth (Premier League)

3 December 2017: Bournemouth 1-1 Southampton (Premier League)

1 April 2017: Southampton 0-0 Bournemouth (Premier League)

Aggregate Score: Southampton (DDWDD) 6-5 Bournemouth (DDLDD)

Ones to watch

Southampton: Sofiane Boufal

The injury sustained by Moussa Djenepo diminishes Southampton’s ‘flair’ supply, but luckily they have the ‘Moroccan Messi’ in their ranks. And they might just need his ball-carrying ability against a Bournemouth team who were, collectively, have been ‘skinned’ the second-fewest times of any Premier League club last season (dribbled past 276 times).

Sofiane Boufal completed 10 take-ons in the win over Sheffield United. That’s the most any Premier League player has managed in a single game this season. Will the Cherries’ knack for halting runners pass this test?

Key stat: Sofiane Boufal (144) completed more dribbles than any player in Europe’s top five leagues last season.

Bournemouth: Ryan Fraser

After a little bit of speculation about his future in the summer as a result of entering the final year of his contract, Ryan Fraser is already back to doing what he does best for Bournemouth. The winger looks fully focused and is combining effectively with Callum Wilson once again. Fraser plays a vital role for Eddie Howe’s side, aiding the transition from midfield into the final third in wide areas. Southampton will need to watch him.

Key stat: Fraser has made 55 successful passes ending in the final third in the Premier League this season – more than any other Bournemouth player – and has created six chances for his teammates.

Team news

Southampton

Redmond is Southampton’s only potential absentee with an ankle injury. His inclusion will hinge on a last-minute fitness check, according to Ralph Hasenhuttl. Djenepo, scorer of two exceptional goals this season so far, has been ruled out due to the recurrence of muscle problem that emerged earlier in the season.

Other than that, the Saints boss has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Predicted XI: Gunn; Bednarek, Yoshida, Vestergaard; Cedric, Romeu, Hojbjerg; Ward-Prowse, Redmond, Boufal; Adams.

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Bournemouth

Bournemouth are the polar opposite to Southampton with multiple injury issues, the most in the division in fact. David Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Dan Gosling, Arnaut Groeneveld, Adam Smith and Junior Stanislas are all out.

Fraser is likely to return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench against Everton.

Predicted XI: Ramsdale; Stacey, Cook, Ake, Rico; H Wilson, Cook, Billing, Fraser; C Wilson, King.

Squawka prediction

Bournemouth are without a win in their last six encounters with Southampton, but the Saints are still struggling for goals at home and might find it difficult to see off Eddie Howe’s men. A tight, low-scoring draw may be on the cards.

Scoreline prediction: Southampton 1-1 Bournemouth