Premier League: Friday Night Football Awaits as Iraola and Silva Lead from the Front

Bournemouth vs Fulham

Sixth meets 11^th in the Premier League for a clash between two sides who continue to be well managed with just a fraction of the wealth of some of their counterparts.

Fulham were fast becoming a bit of a yo-yo club until three years ago but, under Marco Silva, have established themselves as top-flight regulars.

Likewise, after narrowly escaping the drop in 2023, Bournemouth have never looked back since the appointment of Andoni Iraola.

Again, both have been unable to keep hold of many of their top talents; again, they have adapted to show others the way and you would not rule out either producing Premier League 2025 highlights on the south coast this Friday night.

 

Talking Points

The two sides had mixed results last weekend.

Bournemouth displayed their character and desire by grabbing a stoppage time equaliser to rescue a point at newly promoted Leeds.

It came from the boot of Eli Kroupi to salvage a point after Antoine Semenyo had given them a first half lead with a fine free-kick, his fourth goal of the fledgling season.

The 2-2 draw means the club has now had its best ever start to a Premier League season after six games.

While the Cherries are unbeaten since the opening weekend, it’s not been quite as positive for Fulham.

They started well at Aston Villa on Sunday but soon faded and, after taking the lead, were well beaten 3-1, architects of their own downfall after failing to bury fragile opponents who initially looked bereft of confidence.

Despite the topsy turvy results, the performances of 18 year-old Josh King have been highly encouraging and luck has not always been on their side, most notably at Chelsea last month when the teenager saw a perfectly good goal ruled out with the game goalless.

Silva had previously openly expressed his disappointment at the club’s lack of signings ahead of the new season and it remains to be seen how much depth he has at his disposal for a full campaign.

That Bournemouth have made such a strong start may surprise some people given they lost talented young defenders Dean Huijsen – to Real Madrid no less – and Milos Kerkez, to Liverpool, this summer.

Yet, based on the early evidence, would anyone rule out a repeat of their ninth placed finish last season.

Much may depend on keeping hold of their other main men, led by Ghanaian forward Semenyo who has been in sparkling form with four goals and two assists so far this season.

Earlier this year, he signed a new long-term contract which runs until 2030.

Sources at the club have confirmed the deal does not contain a release clause, making it very difficult for potential suitors to force through a move.

That will be music to the ears of anyone connected with Bournemouth.

 

History

When a first-minute goal from Semenyo proved the difference in their most recent meeting in April, it meant Bournemouth had won three consecutive home league games against Fulham for the first time since April 1931.

Overall, these sides have been closely matched historically and that is reflected by the fact Fulham have won 12 of their meetings, Bournemouth 16 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.

Last term, 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 

 

Betting Tip

It really is indicative of just how well Bournemouth are doing that they are such clear favourites with the SBOTOP Premier League 2025 betting odds.

The Cherries are on offer 1X2 @ 1.91 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.19, compared to the Cottagers 1X2 @ 3.65 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.35.

The draw is available 3.29 and a repeat of last season’s corresponding meeting will pay out @ 7.00 with Correct Score 1-0.

There have only ever been two goalless draws between these sides so I can see why total goal 0-1 @ 3.17 could appeal. Other options for goals include total goal 2-3 @ 1.98, 4-6 @ 3.29 and over 2.75 @ 2.17.

I am edging towards a home win but my *** tip is actually going to be Over 2.75 goals @ 2.17 as Fulham have a talent and capacity to surprise just as much as the hosts have impressed in recent seasons.

   

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