Bournemouth vs Sunderland Prediction & Betting Tips (28 February)

Bournemouth’s clash with Sunderland at the Vitality Stadium in late February shapes up as one of those Premier League fixtures where small details could swing the afternoon. The hosts have quietly climbed into the top half, sitting just above their visitors in the table after a consistent winter run, while Sunderland hover in mid‑pack, still close enough to dream of Europe but not far from being dragged into a scrap. Recent weeks have also brought team‑news subplots: Bournemouth are managing without attacking options like Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier, while Sunderland have had to cope with absences for experienced figures such as Granit Xhaka and forward Bertrand Traoré. All of that feeds into a contest that feels finely balanced rather than a simple top‑versus‑bottom narrative.

Form-wise, Bournemouth arrive with the kind of resilience that makes them awkward hosts. They ground out a hard‑earned 0-0 at West Ham, backing up an impressive away win at Everton that finished 1-2. Before that, they had already shown their attacking edge by edging Liverpool in a five‑goal thriller at home and controlling key moments in a professional victory at Wolves. Even the recent draw with Aston Villa, where they were held despite long spells of pressure, underlined how Andoni Iraola’s side now dictate territory and tempo more often than not. With Amine Adli leading the scoring charts and a midfield comfortable on the ball, Bournemouth look like a side that believes it belongs in the top half rather than just visiting it.

Sunderland’s recent path has been more uneven, mixing eye‑catching wins with sobering reminders of Premier League ruthlessness. A morale‑boosting away success at Oxford United, sealed by a narrow 0-1 scoreline, showcased their ability to manage tight games, while earlier in February they also produced a convincing home victory over Burnley. Yet that momentum has been checked by home defeat to Liverpool and a painful reverse against Fulham that exposed defensive gaps when chasing the game, plus a tough afternoon away at Arsenal. Even so, Brian Brobbey remains a constant threat up front, and with creative sparks around him, Sunderland carry enough punch to trouble Bournemouth if they can avoid being pinned back for long spells.

All of this sets up a tactical battle where Bournemouth’s structured possession and strong home record meet Sunderland’s more volatile, punchy style. The Cherries’ recent habit of sharing goals around, combined with Sunderland’s tendency to leave space when they push forward, hints at another open contest rather than a cagey stalemate. With both squads juggling injuries but Bournemouth seemingly more settled in their patterns, the hosts look slightly better placed to capitalise on transitions and set‑piece moments. Taking into account current form, league positions, and the way Sunderland’s defence has occasionally wobbled under sustained pressure, a home win feels the likeliest outcome, and a correct score of 3-1 stands out as a realistic, grounded prediction for this Premier League meet