Tonight, Southampton take on Bournemouth in a game that has become somewhat of as close to a derby fixture in recent seasons as either side has managed to compete in, despite the refusal to call their oppositions “rivals”, on the Saints’ behalf.
This is a game that Southampton are more than capable of winning as Premier League new boys Bournemouth have found away games far easier to secure points in than they have so far this season, achieving 15 of their 29 on the road.
Not only have the Cherries found points at home hard to come by, but their goalscoring form has left a lot to be desired this season, mainly as a result of the devastating blow to leading striker Callum Wilson through knee injury, as the south coast outfit have racked up just eight goals in their last ten games, failing to score in half of these. 
This stat alone should give Ronald Koeman’s men a great incentive to go to the Vitality Stadium and play their natural attacking football and potentially nick an early lead to lay down their winning intentions immediately. However, despite the target to hit the ground running in the tie, the Cherries have been renowned this season for their early goals. Bournemouth have scored a total of eight league goals within the first 15 minutes so far this campaign; higher than any of their fellow top-flight teams.
One thing that the Saints will have to be looking to exploit, however, is the Bournemouth defence. Despite carrying out good defensive performances away from home, their home record for conceding goals is woeful, to say the least, as they have let in 21 goals in the league so far in their own back yard; a figure that will bode well for the hungry Saints attack.
Saints’ recent run of form has been excellent and the whole team will be looking to bounce back from the defeat to Chelsea last Saturday, as two late goals from the visitors ended the Saints’ six-game unbeaten streak.
Bournemouth have found themselves in a bit of ditch lately, failing to pick up many points, with their last win coming against Crystal Palace in early February; nearly a month on, the Cherries will be looking to bag a win and gain some much-needed points to add to their tally.
However, if Bournemouth are to see off the potent threat of this promising Southampton force, they will need to change history and record their first league victory over the Saints since 1958, as well as end Saints’ five-game unbeaten streak in league fixtures against the Cherries.
Previously in this fixture, Saints ran out 2-0 winners but faced a nervy second half against Eddie Howe’s men who pressed Southampton deeper and deeper, as a result Victor Wanyama picking up his first red card of the season. The Cherries could potentially look to impose this style of play from the start and we have to combat this and be at our very best to achieve a positive result.
Finally, the only casualty for Bournemouth is winger Junior Stanislas missing out this evening, with Max Gradel just being eased back into some fixtures. Shane Long has been declared as doubtful ahead of the game as Jay Rodriguez and Florin Gardos step up their recovery from long-term injuries, but are unable to make the bench this evening.
If Saints are serious European qualification contenders, this match is, very simply, a must-win game.
