Bournemouth host Everton in the Premier League this afternoon.
Mark Lawrenson
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Bournemouth and Everton will draw 1-1 at the Vitality Stadium this afternoon.
Bournemouth head into the game having lost 3-2 to Championship side Preston North End in Tuesday’s EFL Cup tie, and that followed on from last weekend’s 4-0 thumping at the hands of Manchester City.
Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe applauds fans
With just one win in the first five Premier League games and only three goals scored, Bournemouth are yet to really hit top form so far this season – and they face a tough test against an in-form Everton side.
Ronald Koeman’s men are unbeaten in the Premier League this season, dropping just two points so far having won their last four games in a row.
The midweek EFL Cup defeat to Norwich City was a major shock, but Koeman will be fielding his full-strength side against Bournemouth today in the hope of making it five Premier League wins in a row.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Everton are the favourites to grab a win in this game, and pundit Mark Lawrenson has offered his prediction for the fixture in his BBC Sport column.
Former Liverpool defender Lawrenson has suggested that both teams missed an opportunity to have a real run in the EFL Cup having fielded weakened sides in midweek, believing the added momentum and challenging for a trophy would’ve been great for both sides.
Lawrenson added that the two teams will be much stronger today, and he has predicted a 1-1 draw between the two sides.
General view outside the Vitality Stadium
“Both of these teams are out of the EFL Cup after making lots of changes against Championship teams in midweek, which I think is something of a missed opportunity,” said Lawrenson. “Neither of them are in Europe so why not have a go at it?”
“I don’t get it – Everton have started well in the league, Bournemouth much less so, but in both scenarios I don’t see the harm of trying to have a good cup run, building some momentum and going for some silverware.”
“Everton boss Ronald Koeman and Cherries manager Eddie Howe have criticised their teams after those displays, and I think they will be much improved – and much changed again – on Saturday,” he added.
What’s your prediction for Bournemouth v Everton?
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