Bournemouth vs. Sunderland Lineups, Prediction, Team News, Injury And Preview

Bournemouth vs. Sunderland Prediction: Bournemouth will likely defeat Sunderland 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium on February 28, 2026, as the Cherries remain unbeaten since early January while Sunderland has lost three consecutive matches and scored only six goals in 13 away games this season.

Match Overview

Detail	Information
Competition	Premier League – Gameweek 28
Date	Saturday, February 28, 2026
Kick-off Time	6:00 PM GMT (12:30 PM local)
Venue	Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth
Referee	To be confirmed
Current Form	Bournemouth: WDWDD / Sunderland: LWLLL

Key Facts

• Bournemouth remains unbeaten in the Premier League since early January 2026, collecting 11 points from their last five matches.
• Sunderland enters this fixture on a three-match losing streak, their worst run since returning to the top flight.
• The Cherries have drawn 11 matches this season, more than any other Premier League side.
• Bournemouth collected seven points from their last three home games at Vitality Stadium.
• Sunderland scored only six goals in 13 away matches this season, the lowest in the division.
• The Black Cats conceded 20 goals on the road, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities away from home.
• Tyler Adams scored in the reverse fixture when Sunderland won 3-2 at the Stadium of Light in November 2025.
• Eli Junior Kroupi leads Bournemouth with eight league goals from 26 shots this term.
• Sunderland sits 11 points clear of the relegation zone despite recent struggles.
• Granit Xhaka returned for Sunderland as a substitute in their last match after injury absence.

Bournemouth vs. Sunderland Preview

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth welcomes Regis Le Bris’s Sunderland to the Vitality Stadium in what promises to be a crucial Premier League encounter.

The hosts enter this match riding an impressive unbeaten streak that stretches back to their 3-2 defeat against Arsenal on January 2, 2026.

During this period, the Cherries have demonstrated remarkable resilience, particularly at home where they secured notable victories over Tottenham Hotspur (3-2) and Liverpool (3-2), alongside a hard-fought draw with Aston Villa (1-1).

The visiting Black Cats face a different reality. After a promising start to their Premier League return, Sunderland has hit a rough patch with consecutive defeats to Arsenal (3-0), Liverpool (1-0), and Fulham (3-1).

This slump represents their worst form since promotion, raising questions about their ability to maintain momentum in the top flight.

Bournemouth’s tactical approach under Iraola emphasizes possession-based football with quick transitions.

The Cherries have conceded just four goals in their last five matches, matching Arsenal and Manchester City for defensive solidity during this period.

Their home record shows seven points from nine available since the Arsenal defeat, demonstrating the Vitality Stadium has become a fortress.

Sunderland’s away struggles tell a concerning story. With only two victories from 13 road trips and a meager six goals scored, Le Bris’s side faces an uphill battle.

The Black Cats have conceded three goals in each of their last three away matches, accounting for nearly half of their 20 goals conceded on the road this season.

Team News and Injuries

Bournemouth Injury Report

Confirmed Absences:

• Justin Kluivert (knee injury) – ruled out
• Ben Gannon-Doak (thigh injury) – unavailable
• Julio Soler – sidelined

Doubtful:

• Lewis Cook (hamstring) – fitness assessment required before match day

Tyler Adams completed his first start since December 2, 2026, against West Ham without complications.

The American midfielder could feature from the beginning after proving his fitness. His presence adds crucial experience to Bournemouth’s midfield, particularly significant given his goal in the reverse fixture.

Sunderland Injury Report

Confirmed Absences:

• Romaine Mundle (thigh injury) – ruled out
• Dennis Cirkin (thigh injury) – unavailable
• Reinildo Mandava (knee injury) – sidelined

Doubtful:

• Nordi Mukiele – suffered in-game injury against Fulham, assessment ongoing
• Jocelin Ta Bi – picked up knock in last match, fitness test required
• Brian Brobbey – injury concern from previous game, evaluation needed

Granit Xhaka’s return provides a significant boost for Sunderland. The captain appeared as a second-half substitute for Habib Diarra in the Fulham match and could start this weekend.

However, Brobbey’s potential absence would severely impact Sunderland’s attacking threat, as he has scored two of their six away goals this season (33.3% of their road efforts).

Predicted Bournemouth vs. Sunderland Lineups and Formations

Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Petrovic

Defense: Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert

Midfield: Adams, Scott

Attacking Midfield: Rayan, Kroupi, Adli

Forward: Evanilson

Iraola typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation that allows flexibility in possession.

The double pivot of Adams and Scott provides defensive stability while enabling the attacking trio to operate with freedom.

Rayan, the 19-year-old winger signed last month, has impressed with two goals and one assist in his opening appearances. Kroupi leads the line in goal contributions with eight strikes this campaign.

Sunderland (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Roefs

Defense: Geertruida, Ballard, Alderete, Hume

Midfield: Sadiki, Xhaka

Attacking Midfield: Talbi, Le Fee, Angulo

Forward: Isidor

Le Bris faces selection dilemmas with multiple injury concerns. Xhaka’s potential inclusion from the start would strengthen Sunderland’s midfield control.

The formation mirrors Bournemouth’s setup, though the Black Cats typically sit deeper and look to counter-attack. Isidor carries the attacking burden in Brobbey’s potential absence.

Where to Watch Live

United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, discovery+ App, TalkSport Radio UK

United States: USA Network, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, SiriusXM FC

India: Star Sports Select HD1, JioHotstar, Star Sports Select 1

Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada

Australia: Stan Sport

Germany: Sky Go, WOW, Sky Sport Premier League

France: Canal+ France, Canal+ Foot, myCANAL, Canal+ Live 6

Spain: DAZN Spain, DAZN1 Spain, Movistar+

Italy: SKY Go Italia, Sky Sport Uno, NOW TV

Statistical Analysis and Head-to-Head

Recent Head-to-Head Record

The teams have met five times in Premier League competition. Sunderland won the most recent encounter 3-2 at the Stadium of Light on November 29, 2025.

Bournemouth holds three victories in this fixture, while Sunderland has one win and one draw.

Last Five Meetings:

• November 29, 2025: Sunderland 3-2 Bournemouth (PL)
• April 29, 2017: Sunderland 0-1 Bournemouth (PL)
• November 5, 2016: Bournemouth 1-2 Sunderland (PL)
• January 23, 2016: Sunderland 1-1 Bournemouth (PL)
• September 19, 2015: Bournemouth 2-0 Sunderland (PL)

Current Season Statistics

Bournemouth:

• Position: 8th
• Points: 38 from 27 matches
• Goals Scored: 43
• Goals Conceded: 45
• Goal Difference: -2
• Home Record: 7 points from last 9 available

Sunderland:

• Position: 12th
• Points: 36 from 27 matches
• Goals Scored: 28
• Goals Conceded: 33
• Goal Difference: -5
• Away Record: 2 wins from 13 matches

Form Analysis

Bournemouth’s recent form shows consistency with 11 points from five matches (WDWDD). Only Manchester City and Manchester United (both 13 points) accumulated more during this period.

The Cherries’ defensive improvement stands out, conceding just four goals across these fixtures.

Sunderland’s form has deteriorated significantly with four defeats in their last six matches (LWLLLW).

The Black Cats managed victories against Burnley (3-0) and Oxford United in the FA Cup (1-0) but struggled against top-half opposition.

Tactical Analysis

Bournemouth operates with high pressing intensity and quick ball circulation. Iraola’s system relies on full-backs pushing forward to create width while the attacking midfielders drift inside.

This approach creates numerical advantages in central areas and stretches opposition defenses. The Cherries average higher possession percentages at home and create chances through sustained pressure.

Sunderland adopts a more conservative approach, particularly away from home. Le Bris sets his team up to absorb pressure and exploit spaces on the counter-attack.

However, this strategy has yielded limited success on the road, with the Black Cats struggling to convert chances and maintain defensive organization against quality opposition.

Also Read Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Aston Villa Prediction.

Key Players to Watch

Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth)

The forward has scored eight league goals from 26 shots, demonstrating clinical finishing.

His movement in the penalty area creates problems for defenders, and he will look to exploit Sunderland’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Rayan (Bournemouth)

The teenage sensation has made an immediate impact since joining last month. His pace and directness on the wing provide a different dimension to Bournemouth’s attack.

Though he failed to score or assist in his last appearance, his potential remains significant.

Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)

The captain’s return brings leadership and composure to Sunderland’s midfield. His passing range and tactical intelligence could help the Black Cats control possession and dictate tempo.

His fitness level will determine his starting status.

Wilson Isidor (Sunderland)

With Brobbey potentially absent, Isidor must shoulder the attacking responsibility. His ability to hold up play and bring teammates into the game will be crucial for Sunderland’s counter-attacking strategy.

Current Standings

Premier League Table (Top 14):

1. Arsenal – 61 points (28 matches)
2. Manchester City – 56 points (27 matches)
3. Aston Villa – 51 points (27 matches)
4. Manchester United – 48 points (27 matches)
5. Chelsea – 45 points (27 matches)
6. Liverpool – 45 points (27 matches)
7. Brentford – 40 points (27 matches)
8. Bournemouth – 38 points (27 matches)
9. Everton – 37 points (27 matches)
10. Fulham – 37 points (27 matches)
11. Newcastle United – 36 points (27 matches)
12. Sunderland – 36 points (27 matches)
13. Crystal Palace – 35 points (27 matches)
14. Brighton & Hove Albion – 34 points (27 matches)

Bournemouth vs. Sunderland Prediction

Bournemouth enters this fixture as clear favorites based on current form and home advantage.

The Cherries’ unbeaten run, combined with Sunderland’s away struggles, suggests a home victory.

Sunderland has conceded three goals in each of their last three road trips, while Bournemouth has demonstrated attacking prowess at the Vitality Stadium with victories over Liverpool and Tottenham.

The Black Cats’ injury concerns compound their difficulties. Potential absences of Mukiele, Ta Bi, and Brobbey would weaken both their defensive structure and attacking threat.

Bournemouth’s relatively clean injury report gives them a significant advantage in squad depth and selection options.

Expected Result: Bournemouth 2-0 Sunderland

The hosts should capitalize on Sunderland’s defensive frailties while maintaining their recent defensive solidity.

Kroupi and Rayan possess the quality to break down the visitors’ defense, while Adams and Scott provide the platform for attacking play.

Sunderland’s goal-shy nature on the road (six goals in 13 matches) suggests they will struggle to find the net at the Vitality Stadium.

This match represents an opportunity for Bournemouth to extend their unbeaten run and strengthen their position in the top half of the table, while Sunderland must regroup and address their away form to avoid further slipping down the standings.

FAQs