Bournemouth vs Tottenham Prediction & Match Preview (7 January)

Bournemouth vs Tottenham Prediction & Match Preview for 7 January. This Premier League fixture sees Bournemouth hosting Tottenham at the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday, 7 January. Both teams are eager to make an impact in the league standings, with Bournemouth hoping to take full advantage of their home ground. Tottenham, meanwhile, will be aiming to secure crucial away points to strengthen their position in the top tier of English football.

The Vitality Stadium will set the stage for this encounter, and fans can expect a competitive match as both sides have shown promise this season. Bournemouth’s resilience at home will be tested against Tottenham’s dynamic attacking approach. This match is a key fixture in the Premier League calendar, offering both teams an opportunity to assert their ambitions and build momentum as the season progresses.

Bournemouth vs Tottenham: Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes	1.7

Both teams are expected to score in this fixture due to their respective defensive vulnerabilities and attacking strengths. Bournemouth’s resilience at home and Tottenham’s attacking depth, despite injuries, suggest an open game with goals for both sides.

• Bournemouth have scored in 80% of their matches this season, indicating a strong likelihood of finding the net.
• Tottenham’s recent injury issues in attack are counterbalanced by their tactical setup, which emphasizes offensive play.
• Both teams have struggled defensively, making a clean sheet for either side unlikely.

Betting Odds

Bournemouth step onto the pitch at the Vitality Stadium as the favourites, with betting odds reflecting their strong home advantage. Tottenham, however, should not be underestimated, especially given their ability to upset the odds in away fixtures.

Betting Tip	Odds
Bournemouth to win	2.09
Draw	3.62
Tottenham to win	3.3

For those looking to place a bet, the draw offers intriguing value, and with both teams known for their attacking prowess, the over 2.5 goals market could be worth considering.

Bournemouth: Analysis & Recent Performance

Bournemouth’s recent form has been challenging, with the team failing to secure a win in their last five matches. The Cherries recorded two losses and three draws, including a narrow 2-3 defeat against Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium. Their attacking efforts have been commendable, scoring 10 goals across these games, averaging 2.00 goals per match. However, their defensive frailties are evident, conceding 14 goals at an average of 2.80 per game, and failing to keep a single clean sheet.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
Bournemouth	Arsenal	2 – 3 (Defeat)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026
Chelsea	Bournemouth	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025
Brentford	Bournemouth	4 – 1 (Defeat)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Bournemouth	Burnley	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025
Manchester United	Bournemouth	4 – 4 (Draw)	Premier League	15 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• L D L D D

Despite their ability to score, Bournemouth’s defence has been porous, contributing to their current position of 15th in the league with only 23 points. Their home form mirrors their overall struggles, with no wins in their last five home fixtures. Antoine Semenyo remains a key figure, netting nine goals this season, but the team’s inability to turn draws into victories has seen them fall behind. The statistics show that while Bournemouth can score consistently, their defence must improve significantly to climb the league table.

Bournemouth: Suspensions & Injuries

Bournemouth are facing a difficult period with several players sidelined due to injury. Notably, Tyler Adams and Ryan Christie are both dealing with minor injuries, with Christie expected back in a few days. Their absence could impact Bournemouth’s midfield depth, especially given Christie’s ability to link play between defence and attack. Matai Akinmboni’s muscle injury is a particular concern as his return date is currently unknown, potentially affecting squad rotation.

Ben Doak’s hamstring injury and Veljko Milosavljevic’s knee issue, both expected to keep them out until late February, further strain the squad’s attacking resources. However, the starting lineup remains largely unaffected, with key players like Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier available to maintain their attacking threat.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Matai Akinmboni	Muscle injury	Unknown
Ben Doak	Hamstring Injury	Late February 2026
Veljko Milosavljevic	Knee injury	Late February 2026
Tyler Adams	Minor injury	Late February 2026
Ryan Christie	Minor injury	Few days

Andoni Iraola may opt for a more conservative midfield approach to compensate for the lack of options, possibly deploying Alex Scott in a deeper role alongside Marcus Tavernier. This could result in a shift from Bournemouth’s typical 4-2-3-1 formation to a more compact structure to maintain defensive solidity.

From a betting perspective, these absences might slightly tilt the odds against Bournemouth, especially as they face a strong Tottenham side. However, with the core of their starting XI intact, Bournemouth could still pose a significant challenge, particularly if they adapt their tactics effectively.

Bournemouth: Key Players

Antoine Semenyo stands out as Bournemouth’s top scorer with nine goals this season, making him a pivotal figure in their attack. His versatility in midfield allows him to drive forward and create scoring opportunities, making him a constant threat to opposing defences. His knack for finding the net will be crucial against Tottenham.

Supporting Semenyo in midfield are Justin Kluivert and David Brooks, who bring creativity and flair to the team. Kluivert’s agility and Brooks’ vision are instrumental in breaking down defences. Up front, Evanilson is expected to lead the line; his ability to hold up play and link with teammates will be vital in executing Bournemouth’s attacking strategy. In defence, Marcos Senesi’s leadership and James Hill’s composure are key to maintaining a solid backline.

Expected lineup for Bournemouth

• Goalkeeper: Djordje Petrovic
• Defenders: Marcos Senesi, Alex Jimenez, James Hill, Adrien Truffert
• Midfielders: Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert, David Brooks, Marcus Tavernier, Alex Scott
• Striker: Evanilson

These key players are central to Bournemouth’s tactical approach, which focuses on dynamic midfield play and solid defensive organisation. The combination of Semenyo’s goal-scoring ability and the midfield’s creativity could be decisive in this Premier League clash.

Bournemouth: Tactics & Formation

Bournemouth Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Evanilson
• Midfield Creativity: David Brooks and Marcus Tavernier
• Defensive Challenges: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wide play and counterattacking.

Bournemouth’s 4-2-3-1 formation under Andoni Iraola focuses on both defensive structure and quick attacking transitions. The defensive line, featuring Marcos Senesi, Alex Jimenez, James Hill, and Adrien Truffert, has struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding an average of 2.8 goals per game in recent matches.

In midfield, Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert provide width, while David Brooks and Marcus Tavernier offer creativity and support to Evanilson, the central striker. Alex Scott’s deeper midfield role is crucial for transitioning play from defence to attack.

Offensively, Bournemouth emphasise wide play and counterattacks, utilising the pace of their wingers. However, the lack of clean sheets highlights defensive vulnerabilities that must be addressed, especially against attacking sides like Tottenham.

Tottenham: Analysis & Recent Performance

Tottenham’s recent form has been inconsistent, with the team securing only one win in their last five matches, alongside two draws and two losses. This run includes a notable 1-1 draw against Sunderland at home and a goalless draw away to Brentford.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Tottenham	Sunderland	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Brentford	Tottenham	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Jan 2026
Crystal Palace	Tottenham	0 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	28 Dec 2025
Tottenham	Liverpool	1 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025
Nottingham Forest	Tottenham	3 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	14 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In terms of attacking statistics, Tottenham have averaged 0.60 goals per game in their last five fixtures, indicating some difficulty in converting chances. Despite these struggles, they have maintained a relatively balanced approach, conceding 1.20 goals per match and keeping clean sheets in 40% of these games.

Away from home, Tottenham’s performance has mirrored their overall inconsistency, with only one win in their last five away fixtures. They have drawn twice and lost twice, reflecting a win ratio of just 20% on the road. Despite these challenges, Tottenham have managed a 50% win ratio in away games this season overall, hinting at their potential to perform better.

Currently sitting 13th in the Premier League with 27 points, Tottenham’s position reflects their mid-table standing. Richarlison has been a key player, contributing seven goals this season, which is crucial for improving their goal-scoring average and overall performance.

• D D W L L

Tottenham: Suspensions & Injuries

Tottenham face significant challenges with key players such as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined. Maddison’s absence due to a cruciate ligament injury until early May 2026 is particularly impactful, as his creative presence in midfield is difficult to replace. Kulusevski’s knee injury, keeping him out until late January, further limits attacking options. The absence of these players will force Thomas Frank to rely heavily on the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur and Richarlison to maintain attacking momentum.

Destiny Udogie’s strain injury, expected to keep him out until mid-January, reduces depth in the defensive line. While the starting defence remains intact, the lack of backup options could stretch Tottenham if further injuries occur. With Dominic Solanke also unavailable until late January, Tottenham must adapt tactically to ensure they maintain defensive solidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Dejan Kulusevski	Knee injury	Late January 2026
James Maddison	Cruciate ligament injury	Early May 2026
Dominic Solanke	Ankle injury	Late January 2026
Destiny Udogie	Strain injury	Mid January 2026

The absence of these players is likely to influence the betting markets. Bettors may see Tottenham’s odds lengthen slightly due to the missing creative spark and squad depth, especially in an away fixture at Bournemouth. The tactical adjustments required may also affect the team’s usual playing style, potentially leading to a more cautious approach in this match.

Tottenham: Key Players

Richarlison stands out as Tottenham’s top scorer with seven goals this season, leading the attack with his dynamic style. As the lone forward, his ability to exploit defensive weaknesses and create scoring opportunities will be crucial against Bournemouth. Richarlison’s movement and finishing make him a constant threat in the box and could be pivotal in breaking through Bournemouth’s defence.

In midfield, Rodrigo Bentancur commands attention with his playmaking skills. His vision and passing range are vital for Tottenham’s transitions from defence to attack, often dictating the tempo. Alongside him, Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani provide flair and creativity, looking to connect with Richarlison up front and create goal-scoring chances. Defensively, Cristian Romero’s presence in the backline is indispensable, offering solidity and leadership.

Expected lineup for Tottenham

• Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
• Defence: Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero
• Midfield: Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mathys Tel, Randal Kolo Muani
• Forward: Richarlison

Tottenham’s tactical approach heavily relies on these key players. Bentancur’s ability to control the midfield and Romero’s defensive acumen will be instrumental in maintaining balance across the pitch. This blend of attacking prowess and defensive strength could be decisive in securing a positive result.

Tottenham: Tactics & Formation

Tottenham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Richarlison
• Midfield Pivot: Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray
• Defensive Strength: Ben Davies and Cristian Romero in central defence
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and counter-attacking play.

Tottenham’s 4-2-3-1 formation under Thomas Frank aims to balance defensive solidity with attacking threat. The central midfield pairing of Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray provides both defensive cover and the ability to initiate attacks with their passing range.

Defensively, Tottenham rely on the experience of Ben Davies and the robust presence of Cristian Romero in central defence, with Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven offering width and support from the full-back positions. This setup has occasionally struggled, as reflected in their recent record of only two clean sheets in the last five games.

Offensively, Tottenham’s strategy centres on high pressing and quick counter-attacks, led by Richarlison. The attacking trio of Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel, and Randal Kolo Muani behind Richarlison provide creativity and pace, crucial for breaking down opposition defences.

Bournemouth vs Tottenham: Head-to-Head Record

Bournemouth and Tottenham have faced each other 19 times, with Spurs dominating the head-to-head record with 12 wins to Bournemouth’s four, alongside three draws. Notably, Bournemouth clinched a surprise 1-0 victory in their last meeting at Tottenham’s ground in the Premier League.

The last time Bournemouth hosted Tottenham at the Vitality Stadium, they suffered a 0-2 defeat to the visitors. Historically, Tottenham have been strong in this fixture, especially when playing away, but Bournemouth’s recent win could signal a shift in momentum.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Tottenham Hotspur	AFC Bournemouth	0 – 1	Premier League	2025-08-30
Tottenham Hotspur	AFC Bournemouth	2 – 2	Premier League	2025-03-09
AFC Bournemouth	Tottenham Hotspur	1 – 0	Premier League	2024-12-05
Tottenham Hotspur	AFC Bournemouth	3 – 1	Premier League	2023-12-31
AFC Bournemouth	Tottenham Hotspur	0 – 2	Premier League	2023-08-26