AFC Bournemouth vs Leicester City, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

AFC Bournemouth vs Leicester City Match Prediction & Analysis

Bournemouth eye a strong finish to the Premier League season as they host already-relegated Leicester City. The Cherries, currently 11th, could climb to ninth with a victory, matching their best-ever top-flight standing. Despite a recent dip in form (one win in five), they'll be keen to send their home faithful away happy.

Leicester, officially down to the Championship, face potential points deductions next term. They could even drop to 19th if they stumble and Ipswich secure a home win. Without their talismanic striker Jamie Vardy, who recently bid farewell, the Foxes face a significant attacking void. While neither side has much to play for in of league position, Bournemouth will be favorites to secure the points at the Vitality Stadium. 

Head to Head Record - In 13 Premier League encounters, Bournemouth has held the upper hand against Leicester City, securing 5 victories (4 at home, 1 away) compared to Leicester's 3, all achieved at home. The spoils have been shared in 5 draws. Bournemouth has dominated, winning three of the last five clashes. Goals have been a common sight in these fixtures, with both teams finding the net in three of those five matches. The average goals per game across their last five meetings stands at a lively 2.8. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

AFC Bournemouth Preview

Bournemouth's Premier League displays have been a stumbling block, with only five points from their last five outings, effectively ending their European aspirations. They currently sit 16th in the league table based on their performances in the last five games. Losses to Manchester City (3-1) and one other fixture in their last two league games highlight this dip, with only one win in five.

At home, the Cherries have a mixed bag with seven wins and seven losses from 18 league matches, netting 37 goals and conceding only 16. Their strong April run of five unbeaten games, including a 2-1 win over Arsenal, was unfortunately followed by two defeats against top-four contenders. Forward Antoine Semenyo, with a 7.16 rating and 6 goals from 18 appearances on the right flank, has been a key player, but like the team, has seen a recent quiet spell. 

Bournemouth will aim to set a new Premier League points record, but face selection headaches with Lewis Cook suspended and injuries to Enes Unal, Ryan Christie, and Luis Sinisterra. While Alex Scott and James Hill might return, Dean Huijsen is set for Real Madrid, and transfer speculation surrounds Antoine Semenyo and Milos Kerkez, hinting at a busy summer for the Cherries.

Bournemouth Probable Starting Lineup: Kepa (GK); Smith, Huijsen, Zabarnyi, Kerkez; Scott, Adams; Tavernier, Kluivert, Semenyo; Evanilson

Leicester City Preview

Relegated after a single top-flight season, Leicester City head into their final Premier League fixture against Bournemouth on the back of a three-game unbeaten run – their best of the campaign. This includes 2-0 home wins against fellow relegated sides Southampton and Ipswich, with the latter marking Jamie Vardy's 200th goal and emotional farewell at the King Power Stadium.

Despite this late surge, the Foxes have endured a torrid away record, losing 12 of 18 league games and conceding 44 goals. They seek their first league double over Bournemouth since 2013-14. The future of manager Ruud van Nistelrooy remains uncertain, with reports suggesting he could depart after this match, regardless of securing 18th place with a draw. 

With Jamie Vardy departing, Patson Daka is expected to lead the line. Injuries sideline Mads Hermansen, Abdul Fatawu, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, and Stephy Mavididi. Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy's future is also uncertain. Expect a youthful presence, with Jeremy Monga, Kasey McAteer, and Bilal El Khannouss pushing for starting spots.

Leicester City Probable Starting Lineup: Stolarczyk; Pereira, Coady, Faes, Thomas; Ndidi, Skipp; McAteer, Buonanotte, El Khannouss; Ayew