Bournemouth will be desperate to arrest a slump in form when they welcome Leicester to the South Coast for an FA Cup Fifth Round clash on Tuesday evening.
Just two wins from their past nine matches in all competitions tells its own story, albeit those victories have come in England’s grandest cup competition.
A 1-0 reverse at home to Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend may not have done too much for Bournemouth’s confidence, however, they created plenty of chances which may suggest the tide could turn soon.
Leicester, meanwhile, have one eye on promotion back to the promised land, but they have endured a wobble of late, which has seen their lead at the top of the Championship trimmed to six points.
A lack of ruthlessness up front contributed to back-to-back defeats against Middlesbrough and Leeds, and Enzo Maresca will be hoping for a change in fortunes.
But how will things play out at the Vitality Stadium? I have leafed through the betting markets and handpicked a couple of tips for you to bear in mind ahead of kick-off.
Bournemouth to punch quarter-final ticket
While Bournemouth don’t have any pressing relegation worries, their nosedive in form since the turn of the year will have been a cause for concern.
There were some positive signs from the defeat to Manchester City, but a solid Cup run may be a good distraction from their league travails.
Nevertheless, their resources have been stretched by injuries, and the games are coming thick and fast.
Leicester, on the other hand, are far from flying based on current form, and punching their return to the Premier League will be more of a priority.
Bournemouth and Leicester will meet for the first time in the FA Cup, but the Cherries have won each of their last three home games against the Foxes.
Also, the Over 2.5 goals line has been hit in Bournemouth’s past three encounters with Leicester, so it wouldn’t be silly to expect goals in this one.
I think Bournemouth should have enough to get the job done within 90 minutes. For my first pick, I’ve gone with Bournemouth to win & BTTS which is trading at 9/4 with William Hill.
Justin Kluivert to open the scoring
While being the son of Patrick Kluivert carries great expectations, Justin Kluivert is fulfilling his promise at Bournemouth.
The midfielder appears to be settled, and he has found some form in front of goal, netting twice in his past six matches in all competitions.
Kluivert will look to pull the strings, and he will be hoping to add to his tally of five this term.
He could have an impact on the game, and he may even open the scoring. The 24-year-old is available as a 7/1 chance to do so with bet365.
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