Our score prediction for this Vitality Stadium clash is a 2-1 victory for the home side. AFC Bournemouth enters this Premier League fixture as the division’s form team of 2026, currently enjoying a six-game unbeaten run. While the visitors have defied expectations in 11th place, Andoni Iraola’s aggressive, physically dominant “Gung-Ho” approach should overwhelm the tactical fluidity of Régis Le Bris’ squad. This today’s match prediction hinges on the hosts’ massive momentum and home advantage against the newly promoted Wearside outfit.
AFC Bournemouth vs Sunderland Match Details at a Glance
| Match Detail | Information |
| Match | AFC Bournemouth vs Sunderland |
| Venue | Vitality Stadium |
| Date | February 28, 2026 |
| Time | 06:30 PM (BDT) / 06.00 PM (INR) |
| Broadcast & Live Streaming | Click here to watch the AFC Bournemouth vs Sunderland live on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
Injury News and Suspensions
AFC Bournemouth
The hosts face several absences with Ben Gannon Doak out until late February and Julio Soler sidelined until June. Justin Kluivert remains out until April. Both Marcus Tavernier and Matai Akinmboni are considered doubtful for this clash. Andoni Iraola must rely on his squad depth to maintain their incredible unbeaten streak.
Sunderland
Régis Le Bris travels without Bertrand Traoré, who is out until March, and Granit Xhaka, sidelined until late February. Omar Alderete remains a doubt due to a muscle injury. These absences test the tactical adaptability of the visitors as they aim for a top-half finish in their first year back.
AFC Bournemouth vs Sunderland Head-to-Head Records
| Matches Played | 11 |
| AFC Bournemouth Won | 2 |
| Sunderland Won | 6 |
| Tied | 35 |
| First-ever Fixture | August 27, 1988 |
| Most-recent Fixture | November 29, 2025 |
Form Guide
AFC Bournemouth
The Cherries are currently the most successful Premier League side in 2026, following a tactical transformation by Andoni Iraola. Sitting 9th, they are riding a six-game unbeaten run characterized by a physically dominant and aggressive style. Key attacking threats like Evanilson and the creative spark of Adli have been central to this surge. Their high-octane approach has turned their home ground into a fortress during this late-season European push.
Sunderland
The Black Cats have enjoyed a standout return to the top flight, currently sitting in 11th place with 36 points. Under Régis Le Bris, the side has become known for “shape-shifting” fluidity and a reliance on sophisticated wide combinations. While they have exceeded early-season relegation predictions, minor tactical cracks have emerged recently. Key players like Brobbey and Angulo remain vital as they look to maintain their mid-table stability.
Key Battles
Evanilson vs Mukiele
The Brazilian striker is the spearhead of the home side’s “Gung-Ho” attack, utilizing his immense physicality to disrupt defensive lines. His role is to bully center-backs and create space for late-arriving midfielders. In this high-octane system, his clinical finishing in the box is the primary source of goals.
The experienced French defender is the visitors’ most vital defensive asset, tasked with neutralizing the striker’s physical threat. His tactical impact depends on his ability to win aerial duels and maintain the defensive shape under intense pressure. If he fails to contain the forward, the Wearside club’s structure could crumble.
Adli vs Angulo
Based on the players available, a likely key duel is the Cherries’ midfield engine against the visitors’ technical playmaker. The home midfielder is essential for transitioning play quickly and sustaining the aggressive press. His ability to recover possession and provide vertical passes dictates the high tempo favored by his Spanish manager.
The creative midfielder is the heartbeat of Le Bris’ sophisticated system, responsible for orchestrating wide combinations and finding gaps in the opposition’s press. His influence on the match is massive; if he finds time on the ball, he can expose the defensive vulnerabilities that occasionally plague the hosts’ aggressive formation.
Tactical Outlook
The hosts will likely deploy their trademark high-octane press, looking to suffocate the visitors in their own half. Andoni Iraola prioritizes physical dominance and rapid vertical transitions. Their defensive shape is often high-risk, pushing fullbacks forward to create overloads. This “Gung-Ho” approach relies on sustaining a higher intensity than the opponent to force errors in dangerous areas.
Régis Le Bris will deploy a flexible, shape-shifting system, using wide play to bypass central congestion. Their fluid possession and disciplined defense make them hard to break down.
Possible Playing Squad
AFC Bournemouth XI:
Petrovic (GK), Evanilson, Adli, Christie, Rayan, Toth, Scott, Truffert, Senesi, Hill, Jimenez
Sunderland XI:
Roefs (GK), Brobbey, Angulo, Diarra, Hume, Le Fee, Sadiki, Reinildo, Alderete, Ballard, Mukiele
AFC Bournemouth vs Sunderland Match Prediction Prediction
Today’s match prediction favors a narrow home win. While the visitors possess the tactical sophistication to frustrate many, the sheer physical intensity of the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium is currently unmatched. Expect the hosts to maintain their unbeaten run by overwhelming the away side’s defensive structure through relentless high-pressing sequences.
AFC Bournemouth vs Sunderland Score Prediction
Evanilson’s physical presence will likely prove too much for the visitors, though Brobbey’s movement on the break ensures a competitive, high-intensity encounter throughout. We are backing a 2-1 scoreline for the hosts as their 2026 momentum continues. Will the Black Cats’ shape-shifting tactics be enough to stop the Cherries? Drop your football match prediction in the comments and follow us for more Premier League analysis. Stay tuned for post-match stats and updates as the European race heats up!
FAQ: Premier League 2025/26
What is the AFC Bournemouth vs Sunderland match time?
The game is scheduled to kick off at 06:00 PM IST.
Where can I find an AFC Bournemouth vs Sunderland live stream?
You can catch the action live on the Sports Live Hub (SLH) platform for this fixture.
Who is the key player to watch for the hosts?
Evanilson is the primary attacking threat for the home side, having been central to their unbeaten run.
Disclaimer: This Premier League Prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.
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