Match Preview: AFC Bournemouth vs Saints

THE MATCH

AFC Bournemouth vs Southampton
Sunday 3rd December, 1.30pm GMT
Vitality Stadium
Premier League

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

After a resounding 4-1 home victory against Everton last weekend was followed up by a cruel, late 2-1 defeat at Premier League leaders Manchester City.

And Saints will be no doubt be buoyed by their valiant efforts at the Etihad ahead of the short trip to face Bournemouth.

The hosts, who sit 15th, will be looking to get back to winning ways after their 2-1 home defeat to Burnley in midweek.

TEAM NEWS

Southampton: Mauricio Pellegrino will be without Cédric after he was withdrawn from the midweek clash at Manchester City, while a late assessment will be made on Shane Long (calf).

AFC Bournemouth: Eddie Howe has confirmed that Junior Stanislas could be back in his squad for Sunday's clash. The winger has been out of action since picking up an injury against Everton but that aside, he has no fresh injury concerns.

FORM GUIDE

Southampton’s previous five:

Manchester City (a) L 2-1
Everton (h) W 4-1
Liverpool (a) L 3-0
Burnley (h) L 1-0
Brighton (a) D 1-1

AFC Bournemouth’s previous five:

Burnley (h) L 2-1
Swansea City (a) D 0-0
Huddersfield Town (h) W 4-0
Newcastle United (a) W 1-0
Chelsea (h) L 1-0

TOP PERFORMERS

Oriol Romeu marked his return from suspension with a goal against Manchester City during an impressive display at the heart of midfield. Top goalscorer Charlie Austin could return to the starting line-up and Sofiane Boufal will have given Mauricio Pellegrino food for thought after his impact from the bench on Wednesday.

Top scorers: Charlie Austin (3), Steven Davis (3), Manolo Gabbiadini (3), Dušan Tadić (2)
Most assists: Ryan Bertrand (2), Nathan Redmond (2)

AFC Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson became the first Englishman to score a Premier League hat-trick this season against Huddersfield Town. The Cherries top scorer has recently returned from a long injury lay-off and he will be hoping to kick-start a rich vein of form.