Prediction: 3-1
Tip: Both Teams to Score | Goals Over 2.5
Key Points:
1. Peterborough have not yet won a match in the Championship in 2022
2. Bournemouth have kept just one clean sheet in eight matches
3. Over 2.5 goals have been scored in 87% of Bournemouth's home matches
Scott Parker and his men look to climb back into the Championship automatic promotion places with a win over bottom side Peterborough at the Vitality Stadium tonight. It's an objective they should easily accomplish as they face a side devoid of hope and almost certain to be relegated to League One sooner rather than later.
The Posh have been terrible since the turn of the year. They still haven't registered a single Championship win in 2022. In their last eight matches across all competitions they've managed just one goal, in a losing effort against leaders Fulham. Elsewhere, their abject defending has left them with the worst defensive record in the league as they welcome one of the best attacks in the division in Bournemouth. They are simply not good enough for this level at either end of the pitch.
The Cherries have hit a few roadblocks themselves of late, causing them to drop out of the top two, but with four games in hand on their latest challenger Huddersfield, they are unlikely to be too trepidatious. Nonetheless, defeats against Luton, Hull and most recently Preston at the weekend, all within the last eight games, surprised many. A 1-0 home loss to non-league Boreham Wood in the FA Cup was also an unwelcome scoreline for Scott Parker's men.
During this run of mixed form for the promotion hopefuls, they've managed just one clean sheet in eight games. Even though their opponents have struggled for goals, Bournemouth seem to be gracious enough to allow almost any team at least one, and we think they'll do the same tonight. Fortunately for their coach, they've been able to outgun their opponents on most occasions and win 2-1 or 3-1 and that is what we see happening here.
The visitors will need to put in a fantastic performance to turn the tide on what has been a terrible year for them. The hosts will likely get the job done but we don't see them keeping a clean sheet. Even a forward line as toothless as Peterborough's should be able to hit the back of the net at least once at the Vitality.
Bournemouth's blistering attack coupled with their lacklustre defending has meant that a league high of 87% of The Cherries' home matches in the Championship this season have seen over 2.5 goals. Tonight could be the next in a long series.
Therefore, we are predicting a Bournemouth win, both teams to score and goals over 2.5. In terms of a correct score prediction, 3-1 would fit all the aforementioned criteria.
Championship