Premier League: Bournemouth vs Middlesbrough preview

Premier League: Bournemouth vs Middlesbrough preview
Bournemouth meet Middlesbrough at Dean Court on Saturday in a match that could secure survival in the Premier League for the Cherries but that could also add some more chances to Middlesbrough's struggle to avoid relegation. Middlesbrough won the reverse fixture 2-0 in October, one of their four Premier League victories of the season. The two teams have met in the Championship over the past few seasons and Bournemouth have secured one victory in the last four matches, the other three ended in draws. Bournemouth seemed sure of their survival in the Premier League a few weeks ago, but four matches without a win and two consecutive defeats have dragged them towards the relegation zone. They currently are seven points above the drop zone, victory against Middlesbrough would grant them a calm season finale, but a defeat could sink them deeper into trouble. Last weekend they got hammered 4-0 at White Hart Lane by Tottenham, but the worst part for the Cherries is that Jack Wilshere broke his leg during that match and will be unavailable for the rest of the season. Dan Gosling and Andrew Surman are also injured, but at least one of them could return. Middlesbrough have not won a Premier League match since December and only tasted victory four times this season. They have won just one away match so far but have collected seven of their twelve draws away from home. They are hard to beat but their inability to win is mostly due to their lack of productivity in front of goal with just 23 goals scored in 32 games. They fought hard but lost 2-1 at Arsenal on Monday, a result that they can't afford to see at the end of Saturday's match as they are six points away from Hull City, the first team above the relegation zone. Probable line-ups: Bournemouth: Boruc - Smith, Francis, S. Cook, Daniels - Fraser, Arter, L. Cook, Pugh - King - Afobe Middlesbrough: Guzan - Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Friend - Forshaw, Roon, Clayton - Downing, Negredo, Ramirez My prediction: Bournemouth to win 1-0. Here are the odds for the match at Bet365: Bournemouth win - 1.85 Draw - 3.60 Middlesbrough win - 4.00
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