Fulham vs AFC Bournemouth: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Both of these sides are enjoying excellent seasons under their respective managers, with only a point separating the them heading into this game. Fulham and Bournemouth are unbeaten in their previous six, with Fulham drawing four of their last six, including their last two home games.

Bournemouth have won four of their previous six games, and the Cherries have won 50% of their away games over the last six played. The recent history between the two teams is evenly split, with both sides sharing two victories apiece with the remaining game ending in a draw. This should be a close game and we are backing the points to be shared - Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth

Fulham host Bournemouth in the Premier League looking to build on a huge Boxing Day win in midweek.

Date: 29/12/24

Kick-off time: 15:00

Venue: Craven Cottage

It has been an excellent recent stretch for Fulham as they are unbeaten in their last six games in the league. This stretch includes draws against Arsenal, Tottenham and Man City, as well as a late victory at Chelsea. This has moved them up to eighth place in the table, just one point behind fifth place Newcastle. Another three points would keep them well in the mix for European football.

Bournemouth are also having an impressive season, sitting in sixth place. They are one point above their opponents, and behind fifth on goal difference. They dropped points last time out in a disappointing goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace. However, the Cherries have enjoyed some huge results this season, most notably a 3-0 win at Old Trafford in their latest road trip.

There could be goals in this game between two sides with several attacking threats on display. The Cottagers have scored at least two goals in three of their last five league games, though come up against a defence who have kept three clean sheets in their last five and have only allowed two goals in this run.

The hosts spread the goals well, with five each for Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez. Emile Smith Rowe and Harry Wilson also have scored three each. At the other end, Fulham will attempt to keep out an attack who have scored nine goals in their last three away games. Justin Kluivert leads the way with six goals, the majority penalties, including one at United. Antoine Semenyo has also had a strong campaign with five goals. Fulham have conceded just two in their last three home games, so expect a close game.

Since both teams’ promotion from the Championship in 2022, Fulham and Bournemouth have faced off four times in the top flight. The Cherries have the edge in this period, with two wins to Fulham’s one and a draw. Last season, both sides won their home fixture. Bournemouth won 3-0, while Fulham won 3-1 at Craven Cottage. Rodrigo Muniz netted a brace in this fixture.

Fulham vs Bournemouth will not be available to watch on TV in the UK.

Fulham

Fulham could be given a boost with the return of Emile Smith Rowe who has missed the last couple of games through injury. Sander Berge, Harrison Reed, Reiss Nelson and Kenny Tete remain out.

Bournemouth

Adam Smith could return to the squad for this game, while Luis Sinisterra and Alex Scott are nearing comebacks early in the new year. Julian Araujo and Marcos Senesi are long-term absentees.

Fulham:

In their last five games, Fulham have won two and drawn three. It has been a solid stretch for Fulham with some big results against some strong opponents. This run began with a 3-1 victory at home to Brighton. Alex Iwobi’s early opener was cancelled out by Carlos Baleba shortly after half-time, but an own goal from Matt O’Riley and a late second for Iwobi sealed the three points.

Another home game followed as they hosted Arsenal. They picked up a huge point as they held the Gunners to a 1-1 draw. Fulham took the lead through Raul Jimenez, before William Saliba levelled the score. The following weekend they travelled to Anfield to take on Liverpool. They came away with a 2-2 draw after taking the lead twice through Andreas Pereira and Rodrigo Muniz. The Reds played the majority of the game with 10 men.

A third consecutive draw occurred at home to Southampton. This time it was certainly dropped points for the hosts as they failed to score past the league’s bottom side. On Boxing Day they made the short trip across West London to face neighbours Chelsea. They won 2-1, overcoming a Cole Palmer opener with two late goals from Harry Wilson and Muniz.

Bournemouth:

In their last five games, Bournemouth have won two and drawn three. It has been a decent stretch for the Cherries in recent weeks as they are unbeaten in this period. The first game of this run was at home as they hosted Tottenham. They won 1-0, with 19-year-old Dean Huijsen scoring the only goal of the game.

They won their next game 2-1 away at Ipswich. Conor Chaplin had given the hosts the lead in the first half, but a dramatic finish saw the Cherries steal all three points. Enes Unal equalised in the 87th minute, before Dango Ouattara netted the winner deep into stoppage time. A 1-1 draw at home to West Ham followed. The Hammers thought they won it late on with a Lucas Paqueta penalty, but a sublime free-kick from Unal shortly after ensured the points were shared.

A huge 3-0 win at Old Trafford was perhaps their biggest victory of the season as they comfortably dispatched of Manchester United. Huijsen, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo were on the scoresheet. Last time out, Bournemouth hosted Crystal Palace. They were held to a goalless draw after missing multiple chances.

• Latest match predictions
• Football tips
• Football accumulator tips
• Football bet of the day