EPL: AFCB vs Saints

Bournemouth's first of two must-win matches starts on Sunday as they welcome Southampton to Vitality Stadium for the penultimate round. The Cherry are 3 points behind the safety team against rivals Watford and West Ham United but Southampton comfortably in the middle of the table has no motivation.

Eddie Howe will continue to miss four players for Sunday's match against Southampton. Adam Smith is still a suspect after missing a midweek defeat to Manchester City with concussion. The Bournemouth players were devastated after leaving empty-handed from a trip to Manchester City on Tuesday despite pushing the motivated Pep Guardiola's side but The Cherries lost 1-2. Howe will have to try in the last two matches of the season, Callum Wilson and David Brooks were absent from Bournemouth's attack in the match against City and will certainly return on Sunday. Bournemouth have been unable to win 10 of their last 11 (Premier League) matches and The Cherry has given a glimmer of hope when they beat Leicester 4-1 last weekend. 

Southampton have drawn all 3 recent rounds and have more than 2.5 goals scored in 5 of the last 6 away games of The Saitns. Ralph Hasenhuttl made changes for Thursday's 1-1 draw with Brighton to bring freshness, Kyle Walker-Peters should return as the right back for the visitors after being replaced by the goal. Tottenham's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg against Brighton. Jannik Vestergaard was in the middle of the week but Jack Stephens will be hoping to return to the defense. Although Southampton currently have 3 consecutive draws after drawing against Brighton & Hove Albion in the last round, Ralph Hasenhuttl has extended the unbeaten match in the tournament and to number 5.