Bournemouth vs Sunderland – News and Probable Lineups

Bournemouth, who have not lost in the league since early January, host a struggling Sunderland team positioned four places below them in the Premier League standings, as they seek to secure a win in the match scheduled for Saturday’s gameweek 28.

The visiting Black Cats have endured three consecutive losses, matching the total number of defeats in their previous 12 matches, which underscores the formidable challenge facing Regis Le Bris’s squad as they prepare to visit one of the league’s current top performers this weekend.

Match overview

While Bournemouth has recorded two draws in their last three outings, their recent goalless draw against West Ham United marked their 11th draw of the current season.

No other team in the league has registered as many draws in the 2025-26 season, likely explaining why Andoni Iraola’s side is not closer to fifth-placed Chelsea, whom they trail by seven points.

Although they are certainly seen as outsiders for a top-five finish, especially with Inglaterra potentially securing an additional Champions League slot, Bournemouth’s ongoing unbeaten run is benefiting their chances of possibly qualifying for Europe’s elite competition.

Only Manchester City and Manchester United (both with 13 points) have garnered more points than Bournemouth’s 11 in the last five gameweeks — an achievement matched by title contenders Arsenal and Chelsea as this weekend approaches — with Iraola’s players conceding four goals in the same timeframe, equal to City and Arsenal.

Having taken seven points from a possible nine at the Vitality Stadium since suffering a 3-2 loss to Arsenal early this year — a sequence that includes 3-2 wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, plus a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa — Bournemouth now aims to achieve a fourth consecutive home match without defeat for the second time this season.

Previously, they enjoyed a five-match unbeaten run at home, consisting of three victories and two draws, from mid-September to late November, and another positive result this weekend appears plausible given the visitor’s ongoing struggles.

Despite Granit Xhaka’s return in the previous match, the Black Cats could not avoid a second successive loss at the Stadium of Light, marking their third defeat in a row — their poorest run since regaining their Premier League status.

These losses to Arsenal (3-0), Liverpool (1-0), and Fulham (3-1) have not diminished the enthusiasm on Wearside, as fans have witnessed their team outperform expectations after 27 matches, effectively securing their top-flight position for at least another season.

Even though Le Bris’s side is not yet mathematically secure, an 11-point cushion over West Ham provides a comfortable margin for the Black Cats, barring any unexpected fall in the latter part of their Premier League return.

With no pressure regarding relegation, Le Bris can concentrate on stopping his team’s streak of losses as they seek to avoid further setbacks.

Nonetheless, a disappointing away form does not augur well for the traveling supporters, who have seen their team manage only two victories out of 13 league matches away from home, with Sunderland recording a league-low six goals and conceding 20.

As they prepare for this weekend, Sunderland are coming off three straight away defeats — with 3-0 losses at Brentford and Arsenal, along with a 3-1 loss at West Ham — and Le Bris will aim to steer the club towards their first away victory since their 2-1 win at Chelsea in October.

Team News

Tyler Adams returned safely from his first start since December 2 and may see action from the beginning this time around, having previously scored in November’s fixture that saw the Cherries lose 3-2.

Despite coming through the last match without any new injury concerns, Iraola’s squad is still missing Justin Kluivert (knee), Ben Gannon-Doak (thigh), and Julio Soler, while Lewis Cook’s hamstring issue will be assessed.

After playing to a third goalless draw last time out — with only Crystal Palace and Newcastle United (four each) having more — Eli Junior Kroupi is eager to find the net again, having scored eight league goals on 26 attempts this season.

Although Rayan could not become the first teenager to score or assist in each of their first four league outings, the 19-year-old winger is anticipated to start on Saturday, hoping to build on his two goals and one assist since joining last month.

Meanwhile, Le Bris must make a decision regarding Xhaka this weekend, as he was only available as a second-half substitute for Habib Diarra.

Adding to their challenges were the in-game injuries sustained by Nordi Mukiele, Jocelin Ta Bi, and Brian Brobbey, all of whom will be assessed prior to Saturday.

If they are unavailable, Le Bris could find himself without as many as six players, with Bertrand Traore (knee), Dennis Cirkin (thigh), and Reinildo Mandava (knee) also expected to miss out.

Given that Brobbey has been responsible for two of Sunderland’s six away goals, making up 33.3% of their efforts on the road, the forward’s potential absence would be a significant setback.

Bournemouth probable starting XI:

Petrovic; Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Ryan, Croupee, Adley; Evanilson

Sunderland probable starting XI:

Roefs; Geertruida, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Sadiki, Xhaka; Talbi, Le Fee, Angulo; Isidor

Sunderland has conceded three goals in each of their last three away games, with those nine accounting for nearly half of the 20 they have allowed on their travels.

An in-form Bournemouth team should capitalize on the Black Cats’ persistent defensive weaknesses while the visitors’ struggles to find the back of the net away from home further reinforce the Cherries’ position as favorites for victory on Saturday.