Bournemouth host relegated Fulham in Premier League dead rubber

Bournemouth welcome relegated Fulham to the Vitality, in a game which has very little riding on it.

Despite that, both sides look to play expansive attacking football which could throw up an entertaining affair for those who travel to the sunny south coast. Scott Parker will continue to assess his players as the club plans for life in the Championship next season, whether the former England midfielder will be in charge is unknown, but the planning must begin now.

Eddie Howe claimed his side were not safe after their defeat at home to Burnley, but he will be secretly comfortable with his sides position in the league, they sit ten points clear of 18th placed Cardiff with just five games left to play, a win coupled with a Cardiff loss against Liverpool will see the Cherries mathematically safe.

Bournemouth will come into the game bouyed by their recent 5-0 drubbing of south coast rivals Brighton, whilst Fulham also earned a rare win as they defeated Everton 2-0 at home. But Fulham have not beaten their opponents since 1994, when both sides played in Division 2, with Bournemouth winning five of the last seven meetings since that day.

Howe’s injury woes continue, as key players are still on the road to recovery. Simon Francis, Lewis Cook and Charlie Daniels are still out with long term injuries. Whilst Andrew Surman and Danny Rico suffered injuries in recent weeks, with Rico potentially out for the rest of the campaign.

Parker also has a rather long injury list. Marcus Bettinelli is still out with a knee injury alongside Timothy Fosu-Mensah. Lazar Markovic has a calf strain, but Alfie Mawson is close to a return as he looks to gain the fitness required to be thrust into the Premier League.

Callum Wilson and Josh King are in a friendly competition for the accolade of top scorer at Bournemouth this season with 12 and 11 respectively, whilst Aleksandr Mitrovic will hope to impress potential suitors and add to his ten Premier League goals this season. With 64.70% of Bournemouth’s home games this season producing at least three goals, it is poised to be a free flowing, entertaining affair on Easter weekend.

Prediction: Bournemouth 3-2 Fulham