Bournemouth play host to Sunderland in an exciting Matchday 28 action in the 2025-26 English Premier League season, hoping for a win to boost their European aspirations.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the lowdown for the February 28 clash at the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth vs Sunderland match preview
Bournemouth head into this contest after a disappointing goalless draw against relegation-threatened West Ham United in their last league match.
Their recent form has seen them move back into the top half of the standings as they currently occupy eight position with 38 points and could move into a UEFA Conference League position with a win in their match-day 28 outing.
Sunderland, on the other hand, suffered their second home defeat of the Premier League campaign after they went down 3-1 to Fulham in their last outing. The Black Cats have suffered a dip in form which has seen them drop out of the top half of the standings, but they are only two points behind Bournemouth in 12th place.
They also have an equal number of wins, draws and defeats across their 27 league games this season.
Bournemouth vs Sunderland Head-to-Head record
- 29.11.2025 – Sunderland 3-2 Bournemouth
- 29.04.2017 – Sunderland 0-1 Bournemouth
- 05.11.2016 – Bournemouth 1-2 Sunderland
- 23.01.2016 – Sunderland 1-1 Bournemouth
- 19.09.2015 – Bournemouth 2-0 Sunderland
The last five meetings between these two sides have been evenly balanced with two wins apiece and a single draw, although Sunderland were victorious in the reverse fixture back in November.
Recent form: Bournemouth
Bournemouth’s form have improved since the beginning of the year and they are have not lost any of their last eight matches in regular time, although they were defeated on penalties by Newcastle in the FA Cup third round.
The Cherries have also won two of their last three home matches in the league, with the only exception being a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.
50th @premierleague app ✅
Clean sheet ✅#afcb Man of the Match ✅ pic.twitter.com/ZAxXYBzM1P— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) February 23, 2026
Recent form: Sunderland
Sunderland have been poor in recent outings and have won just one of their last five matches in the Premier League, a 3-0 win over relegation-threatened Burnley.
The Black Cats are winless in their last eight away games in the league, although they lost only four of these matches.
Player to Watch
Habib Diarra (Sunderland)
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Despite missing several matches this season through injury and international duty, Habib Diarra could still prove decisive for Sunderland in this clash.
His relentless pressing and ability to carry the ball forward to create chances for teammates will be very key to his side’s chances of a favourable outcome in this game.
Best betting odds
Home (Bournemouth) to Win or Draw – 1.25 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
Bournemouth are the in-form side at the moment and are expected to continue their good run with another favourable outcome in this encounter as they move closer to finishing the season in an European spot.
