AFC Bournemouth vs Everton - Premier League

Two clubs, two directions

AFC Bournemouth has opened the checkbook, securing defender Juanlu Sanchez from Sevilla for 10.4 million pounds. Across the pitch, Everton has been shedding weight, letting Tyler Onyango leave for Sheffield Wednesday on a free. Two completely different trajectories even before the first whistle.

Bournemouth has got the habit

The most telling indicator is the history. Bournemouth has won 5 of their last 6 encounters against Everton, both at home and away. A well-established dominance that inevitably weighs on this kind of fixture.

Everton stumbles away from home

It's bad timing for the Toffees, vulnerable on the road, without a single win in their last three trips and a leaky backline, conceding 11 goals in six away outings. Their key asset remains Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the club's top Premier League scorer since last season with 9 goals, but one man cannot redeem a shaky defense.

A note of caution for the hosts

Let's be honest, Bournemouth will be without Junior Kroupi, their sharpest striker last season. It tempers the attacking ambition somewhat, even with Marcus Tavernier's creativity and Álvaro Rodríguez up front keeping the threat alive.

Opposite directions this summer, history speaking for Bournemouth, and an Everton that struggles away from home: we lean towards a Bournemouth victory. Real confidence in the result, more cautious on the margin given Kroupi's absence. To avoid: betting on a goal-fest, this duel tends to revolve around the 2.5 mark.