Premier League Euro Dream Remains But For Whom?

Bournemouth vs Fulham

The race is on to see which team can finish highest in the “best of the rest” table. That is far from being disrespectful incidentally. For any club which can finish in the top eight of the Premier League, including above a number of the well-established giants of the English game, deserves immediate respect.

Even more so when you are a side which operates at a different financial playing field than many of your rivals. That is the scenario facing a few clubs, including Bournemouth and Fulham, who meet on the south coast on Monday evening.

 

Talking Points

At West Ham last weekend, Bournemouth were involved in an exciting contest in which they displayed resilience. Now, though, they need to turn draws into victories during the final throes of the campaign.

It may appear very harsh to be critical of a team put together on a relative shoestring and still in contention to qualify for European football for the first time in the club’s history. And you would be right for, despite working with limited resources, the character of the Cherries has not been in any doubt all season.

Yet Andoni Iraola’s men do seem to be losing some momentum at a crucial time. They were on a 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions between November and January and were fifth in the Premier League in February. But that feels like some time ago. They are without a win since a 3-1 defeat of now relegated Southampton in mid-February and have not won in 90 minutes in their past eight games.

By contrast, Fulham were terrific at home to runaway leaders Liverpool last time out. After their heartbreaking FA Cup quarter-final defeat at home to Crystal Palace eight days earlier, it would have been easy for Marco Silva and his players to feel sorry for themselves.

Not a bit of it as they boosted their chances of European qualification by moving up to eighth, five points behind Chelsea in fourth place.

Out of possession, they hassled and harried the would-be champions, pressing from the front, cutting off the passing line and preventing the visitors from playing through them. Time and again they won the ball back in the Liverpool half or around the halfway line and once they had it, they used it smartly.

Matchwinner Rodrigo Muniz gave the Merseysiders a torrid afternoon and with support provided by the likes of Andreas Periera, Adama Traore, Alex Iwobi and Ryan Sessegnon, Fulham certainly have the attacking nucleus to trouble any opponent.

All in all, it was another display which highlighted the talent of their Portuguese boss Marco Silva and his ability to keep them competitive, despite losing key men in successive summers.

This SBOTOP writer would be delighted if either of these clubs could secure European football next term. Realistically, though, only one may make it. That means the importance of delivering Premier League 2025 highlights in this encounter is clear. Euro dreams may depend on it.

 

History

These sides have been closely matched historically, and that is reflected by the fact Fulham have won 12 of their meetings, Bournemouth 15, and there have been 13 draws.

They have actually met in virtually all competitions ranging from the former Division Three South to, for the first time in 2018, the Premier League.

Their very first encounter actually was in Division Three South in September 1928 when the then Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic won 1-0 at home before a crowd of 8,031.

Earlier this season, during the festive period, the sides shared four goals at Craven Cottage when Raul Jiminez and Harry Wilson twice put the Cottagers in front only for the Cherries to level through Evanilson and, in the final minute, Dango Ouattara.

It was also at Christmas last season when the corresponding fixture was played, and Bournemouth were convincing 3-0 victors with Justin Kluivert, Dominic Solanke (penalty), and Luis Sinisterra their goal-getters.

 

Betting Tip

Who do you back with the Premier League 2025 betting odds? Will it be Bournemouth, priced 1X2 @ 2.19 or Fulham 1X2 @ 2.98. Or are you opting for Asian Handicap odds with the Cherries -0.50 @ 2.19 or the Cottagers 0.00 @ 2.42.

All have their appeal, as does 1X2 Draw 3.23 and another 2-2 contest, which will pay out @ 13.00 with Correct Score.

A repeat of this fixture from last season – Correct Score 3-0 – is on offer @ 22.00, but I expect this to be much closer and I am going to go for Over 3.00 Goals @ 2.25.

   

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