As the Premier League heads into Matchday 32, AFC Bournemouth welcome Fulham to the Vitality Stadium on Monday, April 14, 2025, in a clash that could shape both teams’ European aspirations. With Bournemouth desperate to end a winless run and Fulham buoyed by a recent upset, this promises to be an enthralling encounter. Here’s your complete guide to the match, featuring a preview, kickoff details, key player matchups, the critical battle, team news, predicted lineups, and a scoreline prediction based on the latest data.
Match Preview
Bournemouth have experienced an up-and-down 2024/25 season under Andoni Iraola. Currently 10th with 45 points, the Cherries enjoyed a strong start but are now mired in a six-game winless streak, most recently drawing 2-2 with West Ham. Their attack, spearheaded by Evanilson, remains potent, but a leaky defense—conceding two goals in each of their last five matches—has undone their early promise. A victory at home could revitalize their push for a European spot, especially with the Premier League’s extra Champions League berth up for grabs.
Fulham, managed by Marco Silva, sit 8th with 48 points and are in scintillating form following a 3-2 triumph over Liverpool. That win highlighted their ability to challenge top sides, with Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi, and Rodrigo Muniz all on the scoresheet. The Cottagers have been resilient away from home, losing just three of their last 11 road games. However, Bournemouth hold a historical edge at the Vitality Stadium, winning 10 of 19 meetings, including a 3-0 rout in their last encounter here. Recent matches between these sides have been goal-fests, with three or more goals in the last five clashes, setting the stage for an open contest.
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| Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images |
Kick Off Details
- Date: Monday, April 14, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM BST (3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT)
- Venue: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth
- TV/Streaming: UK – Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Go; US – USA Network, Universo
- Weather Forecast: Light rain, 11°C, with a slick pitch likely to favor fast, attacking football
Team News
AFC Bournemouth
Injuries are plaguing Bournemouth at a critical time. Ryan Christie is out for the season with a groin injury, and attacking options include Justin Kluivert (muscle), Marcus Tavernier, and Luis Sinisterra, who are doubtful pending late fitness tests. Enes Unal remains sidelined with a knee issue. Adam Smith, Marcos Senesi, and Julian Araujo are back in training but may lack match sharpness. Iraola will need his available stars to rise to the occasion.
Fulham
Fulham are in healthier shape. Marco Silva reported no new injuries, and Harry Wilson could return from an ankle problem to bolster the squad. Kenny Tete is also fit after a recent cameo. Reiss Nelson, however, is out long-term with a thigh injury. With a near-full roster, Silva has the luxury of continuity from their Liverpool scalp.
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| (Photo by Harry Murphy - Danehouse/Getty Images) |
Predicted Lineups
AFC Bournemouth (4-2-3-1)
Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Cook; Semenyo, Scott, Ouattara; Evanilson
Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Cook; Semenyo, Scott, Ouattara; Evanilson
- Notes: If Kluivert passes his fitness test, he could slot in for Alex Scott in the attacking midfield role. Milos Kerkez’s overlapping runs from left-back will be vital.
Fulham (4-2-3-1)
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Sessegnon, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Sessegnon, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz
- Notes: Silva is expected to retain the attacking quartet that dismantled Liverpool, with Muniz’s recent form earning him the nod up top.
Player Matchup to Watch
Evanilson (Bournemouth) vs. Joachim Andersen (Fulham)
Bournemouth’s Brazilian forward Evanilson has been a standout, netting nine goals in his debut Premier League season—a club record for a first-year player. His pace, positioning, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat. Fulham’s Joachim Andersen, however, is a formidable obstacle. The Danish center-back has been the backbone of Fulham’s defense, excelling in the air and with his calm distribution. If Andersen can shackle Evanilson, Fulham might stifle Bournemouth’s attack—but if Evanilson breaks free, the Cherries could capitalize.
Bournemouth’s Brazilian forward Evanilson has been a standout, netting nine goals in his debut Premier League season—a club record for a first-year player. His pace, positioning, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat. Fulham’s Joachim Andersen, however, is a formidable obstacle. The Danish center-back has been the backbone of Fulham’s defense, excelling in the air and with his calm distribution. If Andersen can shackle Evanilson, Fulham might stifle Bournemouth’s attack—but if Evanilson breaks free, the Cherries could capitalize.
Key Battle
Midfield Duel: Tyler Adams & Lewis Cook vs. Andreas Pereira & Sander Berge
The game’s rhythm will hinge on the midfield. Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams brings relentless energy and defensive nous, while Lewis Cook’s vision and passing can unlock defenses. They’ll face Fulham’s dynamic duo: Andreas Pereira, who has created 222 chances since joining the club, and Sander Berge, a towering presence who combines physicality with ball retention. The pair that imposes their will, whether through Bournemouth’s tenacity or Fulham’s creativity, will likely control the transition and set the tone.
The game’s rhythm will hinge on the midfield. Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams brings relentless energy and defensive nous, while Lewis Cook’s vision and passing can unlock defenses. They’ll face Fulham’s dynamic duo: Andreas Pereira, who has created 222 chances since joining the club, and Sander Berge, a towering presence who combines physicality with ball retention. The pair that imposes their will, whether through Bournemouth’s tenacity or Fulham’s creativity, will likely control the transition and set the tone.
Prediction
This matchup screams goals. Bournemouth’s home crowd and need for points give them a slight advantage, but Fulham's in-form attack could exploit their injury woes and defensive frailties. The Cottagers’ confidence is sky-high, yet their historical struggles at the Vitality loom large. Both teams have scored in Bournemouth’s last seven games, and their previous meeting this season ended 2-2—a pattern that feels repeatable.
Opta’s supercomputer favors Bournemouth with a 44.0% win probability against Fulham’s 30.6%, but the data points to a stalemate. Expect an end-to-end thriller with both sides trading blows.
Bournemouth 2-2 Fulham
- Key Scorers: Evanilson (Bournemouth), Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham)