Bournemouth vs Burnley Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 20 December

Bournemouth will host Burnley at the Vitality Stadium in a Premier League clash on Saturday, 20 December. This match is set to be a crucial encounter as both teams are eager to secure valuable points in the league standings. As we look ahead to this fixture, the Vitality Stadium will be buzzing with anticipation as Bournemouth aims to leverage their home advantage against a determined Burnley side.

Both Bournemouth and Burnley have experienced ups and downs this season, making this matchup particularly intriguing. The Premier League is renowned for its competitiveness, and this game is no exception. With both teams striving to climb the league table, fans can expect a hard-fought battle on the pitch. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for their respective campaigns, adding an extra layer of intensity to the proceedings.

Bournemouth vs Burnley Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
AFC Bournemouth to Win	1.53

Given Bournemouth’s solid home form and Burnley’s poor away record, we are backing Bournemouth to win this match. The home side has been resilient at the Vitality Stadium, while Burnley’s defensive frailties continue to be exposed.

• Bournemouth remain unbeaten at home this season with four wins from six matches.
• Burnley have lost seven consecutive league matches away and have the worst defensive record in the league.
• Head-to-head, Bournemouth have won three of the last five encounters against Burnley, showing a historical edge.

Betting Odds

Bournemouth are stepping onto the pitch as clear favourites against Burnley, with the match odds heavily leaning towards a home win. The Cherries have been strong at the Vitality Stadium, and the odds reflect their dominance with a 1.47 decimal for a Bournemouth victory.

Betting Tip	Odds
Bournemouth to win	1.47
Draw	4.47
Burnley to win	6.54

For those looking to back the underdog, Burnley offer a tempting 6.54, while a draw is priced at 4.47. Given Bournemouth’s home form, punters might also consider the over 2.5 goals market, anticipating an open game.

Bournemouth Analysis & Past Performance

Bournemouth have endured a challenging spell, with their recent form reflecting a winless streak in their last five matches, including three draws and two losses. Their latest encounter was a thrilling 4-4 draw against Manchester United, showcasing a resilient attacking spirit but also highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Manchester United	Bournemouth	4 – 4 (Draw)	Premier League	15 Dec 2025
Bournemouth	Chelsea	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	6 Dec 2025
Bournemouth	Everton	0 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	2 Dec 2025
Sunderland	Bournemouth	3 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	29 Nov 2025
Bournemouth	West Ham	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	22 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Bournemouth’s attack has averaged 1.60 goals per game over the last five matches, with Antoine Semenyo leading as the top scorer with 7 goals this season. However, defensively, they have conceded an average of 2.00 goals per game, managing only one clean sheet during this period. This defensive frailty has been a key area of concern, especially as they prepare to face Burnley.

At home, Bournemouth’s performance has been more stable, securing 4 wins, 3 draws, and suffering only 1 defeat in their last 8 home games. This gives them a win ratio of 0.50 at the Vitality Stadium, suggesting a more robust display in front of their home crowd. Nonetheless, their overall season position at 13th in the Premier League table with 21 points underscores the need for improvement in consistency and defensive organisation.

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Bournemouth Suspensions & Injuries

Bournemouth face a few challenges with their squad as they prepare for the clash against Burnley. The most notable absence is Ryan Christie, who is sidelined with a knee injury and is expected to return in late December 2025. His creative playmaking in midfield will be missed, and Bournemouth will likely look to Antoine Semenyo to fill the void. Semenyo has shown versatility in midfield roles, but the loss of Christie could still impact Bournemouth’s attacking fluidity.

The absence of Matai Akinmboni and Tyler Adams, both doubtful due to muscle and knock injuries respectively, may not significantly affect the starting line-up, given their recent lack of appearances. However, their unavailability could limit Bournemouth’s depth, especially if injuries or fatigue take a toll during the match.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Matai Akinmboni	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Ben Doak	Hamstring injury	Late February 2026
Ryan Christie	Knee injury	Late December 2025
Veljko Milosavljevic	Knee injury	Late February 2026
Tyler Adams	Knock	Doubtful

With no players suspended, Bournemouth can focus on utilising their available squad to the fullest. The 4-2-3-1 formation remains intact, with Djordje Petrovic guarding the goal and a solid backline led by Marcos Senesi. The tactical approach might remain unchanged, though the bench options are slightly weakened by the current injury list.

These absences might slightly shift betting markets against Bournemouth, as the reduced squad depth could influence their ability to adapt during the game. However, their starting eleven remains largely unaffected, which should provide some stability in their performance against Burnley.

Bournemouth Key Players

Bournemouth’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer, Antoine Semenyo, who has netted 7 goals this season. Semenyo’s versatility in midfield allows him to exploit spaces and provide both goals and assists, making him a pivotal figure in Bournemouth’s tactical setup. His ability to transition quickly from defence to attack will be crucial against Burnley’s defensive line.

In the forward line, Evanilson is expected to lead the charge. His physical presence and ability to hold up the ball create opportunities for his teammates, while Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier add dynamism on the wings. Alex Scott, operating in the midfield, is another key player, orchestrating play with his vision and passing accuracy.

Expected line-up for Bournemouth:

• Goalkeeper: Djordje Petrovic
• Defence: Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith, Bafode Diakite, Adrien Truffert
• Midfield: Alex Scott, Marcus Tavernier, Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert, Alex Jimenez
• Forward: Evanilson

Defensively, Marcos Senesi and Adam Smith are vital in maintaining Bournemouth’s backline integrity. Their experience and tactical awareness can thwart Burnley’s attack, while goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic’s shot-stopping abilities provide a reliable last line of defence. The synergy between these players will shape Bournemouth’s approach, focusing on a balanced blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity.

Bournemouth Tactics and Formation

Bournemouth Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Evanilson
• Midfield Pivot: Alex Scott and Marcus Tavernier
• Defensive Record: Struggled defensively with 10 goals conceded in last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasises width and quick transitions through wingers.

Bournemouth’s 4-2-3-1 formation provides a balanced approach, allowing them to maintain a solid defensive shape while exploiting width in attack. The midfield partnership of Alex Scott and Marcus Tavernier is pivotal, with Scott’s ball-winning abilities complementing Tavernier’s forward drive.

Offensively, Evanilson leads the line, supported by the creative trio of Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert, and Alex Jimenez. This setup is designed to maximise quick transitions and exploit spaces on the flanks, particularly effective when driving forward in numbers.

Defensively, Bournemouth have faced challenges, as evident from their recent record of 10 goals conceded in five games. Despite this, the backline, featuring Marcos Senesi and Bafode Diakite, remains crucial in maintaining structure. The full-backs, Adam Smith and Adrien Truffert, are tasked with balancing defensive duties and supporting wide attacks.

Burnley Analysis & Past Performance

Burnley have struggled to find form recently, suffering five consecutive losses in the Premier League. Their recent performances have been marked by defensive frailties, evidenced by conceding 11 goals over their last five fixtures, resulting in a goals conceded average of 2.20 per match.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
Burnley	Fulham	2 – 3 (Defeat)	Premier League	13 Dec 2025
Newcastle	Burnley	2 – 1 (Defeat)	Premier League	6 Dec 2025
Burnley	Crystal Palace	0 – 1 (Defeat)	Premier League	3 Dec 2025
Brentford	Burnley	3 – 1 (Defeat)	Premier League	29 Nov 2025
Burnley	Chelsea	0 – 2 (Defeat)	Premier League	22 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Offensively, Burnley have managed to find the net, scoring in three out of their last five matches, but their average of 0.80 goals per game highlights their struggles in front of goal. Despite creating numerous opportunities, as seen with 16 shots in their recent 2-3 loss to Fulham, their conversion rate remains a concern. The Clarets have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five games, showcasing vulnerabilities that opponents have exploited effectively.

Burnley’s away form has been particularly troubling, with only one victory in their last five away games. This contributes to their overall poor away record of 1 win out of 8 matches this season. Currently sitting 19th in the league with just 10 points, Burnley’s win ratio stands at a disappointing 0.00 for their last five matches, underscoring the challenges they face to climb out of the relegation zone.

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Burnley Suspensions & Injuries

Burnley face several critical absences due to injuries and suspensions, which could significantly impact their performance against Bournemouth. The absence of Connor Roberts and Louis Jordan Beyer due to knee injuries leaves Burnley short of defensive options. The return of Roberts and Bashir Humphreys in late December could bolster the squad soon, but for this match, adjustments are necessary. Coach Scott Parker may have to rely on Joe Worrall and Hjalmar Ekdal, who are set to start, to fill the defensive gaps. Zeki Amdouni’s long-term unavailability due to a cruciate ligament injury further limits attacking options, putting more pressure on Armando Broja and Jacob Bruun Larsen to deliver up front.

Player	Reason for Suspension	Matches Left to Serve	Anticipated Comeback
Hannibal Mejbri	Other	2	Unknown
Axel Tuanzebe	International Duty	3	Unknown
Lyle Foster	International Duty	3	Unknown

The suspension of Hannibal Mejbri, with two matches still to serve, alongside Axel Tuanzebe and Lyle Foster, who are unavailable due to national team commitments, further complicates Burnley’s tactical setup. These suspensions particularly affect midfield depth, forcing Scott Parker to potentially adjust the formation or rely on less experienced players to step up in crucial roles.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Zeki Amdouni	Cruciate ligament injury	Early April 2026
Connor Roberts	Knee injury	Late December 2025
Louis Jordan Beyer	Knee injury	Mid January 2026
Bashir Humphreys	Muscle injury	Late December 2025

These absences might influence betting odds, potentially favouring Bournemouth given Burnley’s depleted squad. The tactical impact could see Burnley adopting a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacks, as they cope with the limited availability of key players.

Burnley Key Players

Burnley’s attack will be spearheaded by Zian Flemming, the team’s top scorer with 5 goals this season. Flemming’s ability to find the back of the net and his movement off the ball make him a constant threat to defences. His role as a forward is pivotal for Burnley’s offensive strategies, often providing the cutting edge with his clinical finishing and intelligent positioning.

In midfield, Josh Cullen stands out as a key player, orchestrating play and maintaining possession under pressure. His partnership with Lesley Ugochukwu and Florentino is essential for maintaining midfield dominance and transitioning the ball effectively to the forward line. Defensively, Joe Worrall and Hjalmar Ekdal form a solid partnership at the back, tasked with neutralising Bournemouth’s attacking threats and contributing to Burnley’s defensive resilience.

Expected line-up for Burnley:

• Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka
• Defenders: Joe Worrall, Hjalmar Ekdal, Maxime Esteve, Quilindschy Hartman
• Midfielders: Lesley Ugochukwu, Josh Cullen, Florentino
• Forwards: Loum Tchaouna, Armando Broja, Jacob Bruun Larsen

The tactical impact of these key players is significant. Their strengths lie in Flemming’s goal-scoring prowess and Cullen’s playmaking abilities, which could shape Burnley’s tactical approach by focusing on quick transitions and exploiting spaces in the opposition’s defence. The defensive solidity provided by Worrall and Ekdal is crucial in ensuring a stable backline, potentially influencing the match’s outcome in Burnley’s favour.

Burnley Tactics and Formation

Burnley Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Armando Broja
• Midfield Trio: Lesley Ugochukwu, Josh Cullen, Florentino
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded 11 goals in the last five matches
• Notable Strategy: High pressing with a focus on wide play.

Burnley will likely line up in a 4-3-3 formation at the Vitality Stadium. The defensive line, with Joe Worrall replacing Axel Tuanzebe, will aim to improve their recent defensive record. The midfield trio of Lesley Ugochukwu, Josh Cullen, and Florentino is expected to balance defensive solidity with playmaking duties.

Offensively, Armando Broja leads the line, supported by wingers Loum Tchaouna and Jacob Bruun Larsen. This trio is tasked with breaking down Bournemouth’s defence, capitalising on their pace and ability to stretch the opposition’s backline.

Despite their attacking potential, Burnley’s recent form has been concerning, with no clean sheets in their last five games. Their strategy often revolves around high pressing and utilising the wide areas, but defensive lapses have been costly, as evidenced by their 2-3 loss to Fulham last week.

Bournemouth vs Burnley Head-to-Head Record

Bournemouth and Burnley have faced off 16 times, with Burnley leading the head-to-head record with 9 wins compared to Bournemouth’s 5, alongside 2 draws. The last encounter saw Bournemouth triumph 2-0 away at Turf Moor in the Premier League, marking a significant win for the Cherries.

The last time Bournemouth hosted Burnley at the Vitality Stadium in the Premier League was in October 2023, where they secured a 2-1 victory. This suggests Bournemouth might have the upper hand at home, despite Burnley’s overall head-to-head advantage.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Burnley	AFC Bournemouth	0 – 2	Premier League	2024-03-03
AFC Bournemouth	Burnley	2 – 1	Premier League	2023-10-28
AFC Bournemouth	Burnley	2 – 4	FA Cup	2023-01-07
Burnley	AFC Bournemouth	0 – 2	FA Cup	2021-02-09
Burnley	AFC Bournemouth	3 – 0	Premier League	2020-02-22