Bournemouth vs Sunderland Prediction 28 February 2026
🔊 Bournemouth head into Matchday 28 as one of the most consistent mid-table teams. They're riding a six-match unbeaten streak, showing solid form at home, and are eager for revenge after a narrow 3-2 defeat in the first round. Sunderland, on the other hand, have lost some momentum and appear vulnerable in recent outings. Will the Cherries live up to their favorites tag at the Vitality, or will the Black Cats once again catch their opponents on the counterattack?
Head-to-Head
📊 In the last five head-to-head encounters, Sunderland hold the edge with three victories compared to Bournemouth's two. Earlier this season, the Black Cats defeated their opponents 3-2. While neither side has shown overwhelming dominance, Sunderland maintain a slight statistical advantage.
Head-to-head statistics Bournemouth - Sunderland
Bournemouth Team Overview
Bournemouth currently sit in 8th place with 38 points, boasting a record of 9 wins, 11 draws, and 7 losses. Their goal difference stands at 43:45, highlighting their attacking approach and willingness to play open football. In their last five matches, the Cherries have secured 3 wins and 2 draws, scoring 8 goals while conceding just 2.
Victories over Wolverhampton (2-0) and Liverpool (3-2) demonstrated Iraola's side's ability to control the tempo and exploit spaces behind the defense. Over their last 10 matches, Bournemouth have averaged 1.9 goals scored and 1.5 conceded per game, with both teams finding the net in 80% of these encounters. The Cherries frequently utilize the wings and consistently apply pressure in the box with straightforward yet effective strategies.
Match Results: Bournemouth
Sunderland Team Overview
Sunderland currently sit 12th with 36 points. Their record stands at 9 wins, 9 draws, and 9 losses. They've scored just 28 goals, one of the lowest tallies in the top half of the table. In their last five matches, the Black Cats have secured two victories and suffered three defeats, with a goal difference of 5:7.
The team triumphed over Burnley (3-0) in the league and Oxford United (1-0) in the FA Cup. However, these successes were sandwiched between losses to Arsenal (0-3), Liverpool (0-1), and Fulham (1-3). This pattern highlights their inconsistency: Sunderland can deliver a disciplined performance against lower-tier opposition but often lose their structure and make defensive errors against high-tempo teams.
Match Results: Sunderland
Latest news
Bournemouth
📝 Within the club, confidence is growing that Andoni Iraola will extend his contract. The management is hopeful that the January transfers will persuade the coach to stay beyond the 2025/26 season. Despite interest from other clubs, including Tottenham, the situation is stabilizing. Bournemouth have invested around £43 million in Ryan, Alex Toth, and Christos Mandas following the sale of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City.
❌ Bournemouth will be without Lewis Cook as the midfielder continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. Ben Doak is also unavailable due to a similar issue. In defense, Julio Soler misses out due to injury. Additionally, one of the Cherries' key players, Justin Kluivert, is sidelined. These absences reduce squad depth, particularly in central midfield and on the attacking flanks.
Sunderland
🎙 Sunderland head into the round with significant setbacks. Régis Le Bris confirmed that Joslin Ta Bi and Romain Mandl are sidelined for an extended period: "This could be a serious injury... weeks or even months." According to the coach, Ta Bi might also require surgery.
❌ Sunderland have been without Dennis Cirkin for a while, and Reinildo Mandava already missed the last round's game. Three players picked up injuries during the clash with Fulham: Nordi Mukiele, Romain Mandl, and Brian Brobbey. These are substantial losses across all lines. The silver lining is the return of Bertrand Traoré, as announced by Régis Le Bris.
🟨 Referee and Yellow Cards
The match will be officiated by Jarred Gillett. In his last 10 matches, he has averaged 4 yellow cards per game, alongside 2 red cards and 3 penalties awarded. Gillett tends to issue warnings promptly and maintains a consistent level of strictness.
Bournemouth have averaged 1.8 yellow cards per game in their last five matches, while Sunderland have averaged 2.4 bookings over the same period. The combined current form suggests an average of 4.2 cards per match. Considering the competitive nature of the league and potential pressure from the home side, a total over 3.5 yellow cards seems a reasonable prediction.
⚽️ Goal Predictions
Bournemouth consistently create chances at home but are not known for a solid defensive record. They have both scored and conceded in five consecutive Premier League home games. Moreover, the Cherries have found the net in 9 of their last 10 matches. Sunderland are also rarely shut out, scoring in 7 of their last 10 outings.
Head-to-head encounters support this trend: in 3 of their last 5 meetings, both teams have scored. Given the current form and playing style of both sides, the option for both teams to score (yes) appears well-founded.
🚩 Corner Predictions
Bournemouth actively utilize the wings but do not typically rack up a high number of set-pieces. The team often opts for precise shots rather than piling on corners. In 6 of their last 7 Premier League matches, Bournemouth have taken fewer than 6.5 corners. Sunderland also do not heavily rely on crosses into the box. In 6 of their last 7 Premier League matches, they have taken fewer than 4.5 corners. With an away strategy that favors a low block, the Black Cats focus more on positional defense than attacking down the flanks. Considering the statistical trends of both teams and the restrained nature of their head-to-heads, a total under 10.5 corners seems logical.
Editor's Prediction
Bournemouth currently appear more structured and stable, going unbeaten in six matches and conceding just two goals in their last five outings. Their attack remains sharp, netting eight goals over the same stretch. Sunderland, on the other hand, are experiencing a slump with three losses in five games, issues in midfield, and injuries on the flanks. Despite their victory in the first round, the balance of power has shifted. Home advantage, current form, and the hosts' attacking approach give Bournemouth the edge. Both teams' styles suggest a high-scoring affair, so our main pick for this match is over 2.5 goals, with a potential outcome of 2-1.
No comments
Betting Tips: Bournemouth - Sunderland
in last 8 games.in last 7 games (Premier League).in 9 of last 10 away games.in last 8 away games (Premier League).
in 23 of last 24 Sunderland away games.in 14 of last 16 Sunderland games.in 12 of last 14 Sunderland games (Premier League).
in 6 of last 7 Jarred Gillett games (in the Premier League).in 12 of last 13 games.in 11 of last 12 games (Premier League).in 9 of last 10 away games (Premier League).
in 12 of last 13 Bournemouth games.in 11 of last 12 Bournemouth games (Premier League).in last 5 Bournemouth home games (Premier League).in 6 of last 7 Sunderland away games (Premier League).in last 5 Jarred Gillett games (in the Premier League).
Comparison of Teams Stats
Other predictions
