Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the FA Cup match.
Bournemouth have been on a winning streak for eight games since November 23, when they lost to Brighton (1:2). In contrast, West Bromwich's positive run is much shorter, consisting of just three matches.
Bournemouth
Thanks to these successes (five wins and three draws), Andoni Iraola's team is currently sitting in seventh place, just one point away from European competition and Manchester City. After the 17th round, they were as high as fifth, but two consecutive draws cooled their momentum. It’s also worth noting that recently at their home ground, the Cherries have been playing low-scoring football: they haven't scored more than one goal in their last five matches, and in four of those the total goals were less than 2.5.
West Bromwich Albion
West Brom also favors a minimalist approach: in 6 out of their last 10 matches, no more than two goals have been scored. Even more reliable is the under 3.5 total goals — this occurred in 8 out of 10 matches. As for wins and losses, especially away, the Baggies have not won in their last six matches (four draws and two losses). Interestingly, in those away games, if it ended in a draw, it consistently resulted in under 2.5 total goals, and in losses, under 3.5.
Bournemouth — West Bromwich Albion Prediction
I see Bournemouth winning because they are in excellent form. However, it seems likely that the match will conclude with just two or three goals. Why expend unnecessary energy before a match against Chelsea in two days?
