Seventh-placed Bournemouth kick off the new Premier League year with a visit from Everton on Saturday afternoon.
The Cherries finished 2024 in impressive form, securing three wins and three draws in December. Two of those wins came against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United as Andoni Iraola's high-octane approach punished the struggling giants.
Bournemouth can move up to fifth if they enjoy a win this weekend and other results go their way, but Everton will be a tough challenge. The Toffees secured impressive draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City on the bounce during December, results that have helped them move two points clear of the relegation zone.
The reverse fixture served up one of the most dramatic comebacks in Premier League history. Everton were two goals up by the 87th minute at Goodison Park but conceded three times in the closing stages in a heavy defeat.
Here it is 90 minutes guide to Bournemouth vs. Everton.
Bournemouth vs Everton H2H Record (Last Five Matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Bournemouth |
Everton |
|---|---|
|
Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth – 29/12/24 |
Everton 0-2 Nottingham Forest – 29/12/24 |
|
Bournemouth 0-0 Crystal Palace – 26/12/24 |
Man City 1-1 Everton – 26/12/24 |
|
Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth – 22/12/24 |
Everton 0-0 Chelsea – 22/12/24 |
|
Bournemouth 1-1 Man Utd – 16/12/24 |
Arsenal 0-0 Everton – 14/12/24 |
|
Ipswich Town 1-2 Bournemouth – 08/12/24 |
Everton 4-0 Wolves – 04/12/24 |
|
country |
TV channel/live streaming |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
Radio updates and commentary on talkSPORT, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio Solent |
|
United States |
fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, USA Network, UNIVERSO |
|
Canada |
fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 3 Canada |
Bournemouth welcome Justin Kluivert back from suspension after he missed the Fulham game and Iraola has confirmed Tyler Adams is available after a knock ruled him out last weekend. However, the Spanish coach confirmed that no other absences will make their comeback against Everton.
That means Adam Smith, Marcos Senesi and Julian Araujo are all missing in the back line, while Marcus Tavernier, Alex Scott and Luis Sinisterra are unavailable up front.
Bournemouth predicted formation against Everton (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Kodra, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Christie; Ouatarra, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson.
Sean Dyche has revealed that Dwight McNeil is almost certain to miss the trip to Bournemouth after being sidelined since the start of December. Seamus Coleman is also out with a muscle injury, but his issue is “nothing too serious” according to his manager.
Long-term absentees Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner are both unavailable for selection. They are back on the grass, but they remain a long way from their return.
Everton predicted formation against Bournemouth (4-4-1-1): Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Mangala, Gueye, Ndiaye; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin.
Bournemouth have been largely impressive on home soil this season and have beaten Arsenal, Manchester City and Spurs at the Vitality Stadium. However, their intense and gung-ho approach may ironically be less effective against Everton's stubborn low block.
The Toffees will be looking to frustrate their hosts and have done a great job of limiting their opponents in recent weeks. However, Kluivert's return completes a threatening Cherry forward line, which should have enough quality to overcome Dyche's defensive unit.