After demotion from the Premier League, Bournemouth starts life in the second tier this weekend as they take on Blackburn Rovers. The match schedules for Saturday at the Vitality Stadium with kickoff at 5 pm.
Blackburn Rovers have a mission to contend for the playoffs this season after finishing 11th position last season. Bournemouth, on the other hand, was looking for redemption after their fall from grace last season.
Black and Reds were in turmoil last season that saw the side fail to rise above the dotted line in last year’s campaign. The fall to the second tier saw the sacking of Eddie Howe, who lifted the side from Championship to England top flight.
Jason Tindall took over the mantle from Howe and will be tasked with redeeming the side. The fall has seen the side lose some of its top players with replacements proving a challenging Tindall task.
Eight of last year’s first-team players have moved on to greener pastures. Their main talisman Callum Wilson recently signed for Newcastle United. Tindall will have to build the team around Dominic Solanke, who fell down the pecking order under Howe.
Blackburn Rovers are yet to become active this window with only Gent goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski making his move to the side. A spot in the playoffs remains the primary target for Tony Mowbray.
Bournemouth vs. Blackburn Rovers Head to Head
Both sides have met five times, with each side taking home two wins each. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
West Ham 3-5 Bournemouth
Benfica 2-1 Bournemouth
Everton 1-3 Bournemouth
Bournemouth 0-2 Southampton
Man City 2-1 Bournemouth
Away
Leicester City 1-1 Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers 3-2 Doncaster Rovers
Blackpool 1-3 Blackburn Rovers
Fleetwood Town 1-4 Blackburn Rovers
Luton Town 3-2 Blackburn Rovers
Bournemouth Team News
Tindall might opt for five at the back with the same outfield players that featured in a friendly against West Ham cutting. David Brooks and Philip Billing are waiting for call ups into the starting XI. Mark Travers returns to lead the goalkeeping department after international duties with the Republic of Ireland.
Blackburn Rovers Team News
Kaminski sets to make his goalkeeping debut this weekend in place of Andy Fishers, who featured in their EFL Cup clash against Doncaster Rovers.
Prediction and Odds
With huge players departing Bournemouth, we expect a share of spoils between both sides as they struggle to regain form.
Correct Score: 1-1
Draw
Both Sides to Sore