Bournemouth are looking to extend their winning run to five games as they travel to the Deepdale Stadium to face Preston in the Championship. The last time these two teams met, Preston brought an end to Bournemouth‘s 15 games unbeaten start to the season. Then visitors Preston came out with a 2-1 victory at the Vitality. Ben Whiteman opened the scoring 7 minutes into the second half, Billing equalized in the 60th minute. Alistair McCann secured the win for Preston with a 78th-minute winner.
Preston have not been on their best recently, only winning one of their last five league games. They come into this game losing to Reading and following it up with draws against Nottingham Forest and Coventry City.
Their recent slump in form leaves them 12th on the table with 47 points, 6 points behind Sheffield United in the last knock-off place. Preston have a good record against Bournemouth as they are unbeaten against the Cherries in their last five league meetings. Bournemouth last won against Preston in 2015 in a Carabao Cup penalty shootout.
Preston North End Championship Form: D W L D D
High-flying Bournemouth have won four consecutive league games and are beginning to look like the team at the start of the season. They had an incredible January transfer window which seems to have had a good impact on the team.
The Cherries are currently 2nd on the table with 61 points having played 31 games. They have a 9 point deficit over league leaders Fulham but also have two games in hand. Scott Parker’s men are gradually improving and look set to make a comeback in the Premier League next season.
Bournemouth Championship Form: L W W W W
Preston vs Bournemouth: Team news
Preston North End
Liam Lindsay will be serving his suspension from the Coventry game and will have to sit this one out. Patrick Bauer, Greg Cunningham, and Tom Barkhuizen are all unavailable for selection as they are sidelined due to injury.
Sean Maguire and Josh Murphy are in contention to return to the starting line-up for the Lilywhites after their injury.
Possible Preston starting line-up
Iversen; Hughes, Diaby, van den Berg; Potts, Browne, Whiteman, Earl; Johnson; Archer, Riis
Bournemouth
Liverpool loanee Nat Phillips will be available for selection again after missing the Stoke City game due to illness. Jaidon Anthony and Ryan Christie could also return to the first team as they have started training with the squad.
The Cherries have a clean bill of health apart from a couple of doubts.
Possible Bournemouth starting line-up
Travers; Smith, Phillips, Kelly, Zemura; Billing, Cook, Cantwell; Lowe, Solanke, Dembele
Our prediction
Preston North End 1-2 Bournemouth
Bournemouth will take their revenge for the defeat against Preston earlier this season. The Cherries are enjoying a very good run of form recently and they will be eager to strengthen their position in the race for automatic promotion.
Scott Parker’s side also has an impressive away record, second only to Fulham while Preston have struggled at home this season. The away side should come away with three points comfortably.
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