The biggest game of the season so far
Bournemouth take on Nottingham Forest in what feels like a play-off final taking place before the play-offs, but for second place in the Championship.
The Reds travel to the South Coast knowing that they can overtake the Cherries on goal difference with a win, having won nine of their last ten games to throw themselves into the automatic promotion conversation from a long way off the pace.
Brennan Johnson and Djed Spence have been too hot to handle down the right flank for the Reds this term, and it will be interesting to see how Scott Parker tries to negate the threat they pose, given that, league table wise, Bournemouth are in the driving seat.
Process
The Cherries have fallen away alarmingly and results-wise have performed like a mid table side since the first third of the season.
Nat Phillips and Lloyd Kelly have battled well and earned some important points for Bournemouth in the last couple of months, a draw would be an excellent result for the hosts, with two draws from their final two games guaranteeing promotion to the Premier League.
Bournemouth have so much choice in the final third, and they have averaged 1.8 expected goals (xG) for per game this season, with Dominic Solanke and Philip Billing likely to line-up to test the Forest back three.
Sam Surridge has come into the side to good effect in recent weeks for the visitors, with Lewis Grabban and Keinan Davis out on the treatment table.
Steve Cooper has done an incredible job, taking over the Reds when they were sitting rock bottom and giving them an outside chance of promotion, it is set to be an incredible tactical battle at the Vitality Stadium.
Goals?
I can see the Cherries sitting back and playing the league table, and ensuring Johnson and co do not have space to exploit in behind, leading to a low scoring affair.
The Reds’ backline has also been excellent this season and will fancy their chances of keeping it tight.
Bournemouth have scored in seven of ten.
Bournemouth have conceded in five of ten.
Bournemouth have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Bournemouth have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Forest have scored in eight of ten.
Forest have conceded in five of ten.
Forest have seen both teams score in three of ten.
Forest have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Kieffer Moore takes Bournemouth to the Premier League, 1-0.