Bournemouth and Southampton round off the Premier League weekend when they square off at the Vitality Stadium on Monday night.
The Cherries avoided defeat in each of their opening three top-flight assignments of the season but they have since suffered back-to-back defeats to both Chelsea and Liverpool respectively.
Consequently, Andoni Iraola’s side have fallen down to 13th place in the table, and they could find themselves even further down the standings by the time they take to the field on Monday night.
However, a couple of winnable fixtures are on the horizon so they will look to use this South Coast derby as a jolt to kick-start their season.
Southampton will also be seeking some much-needed cheer after conceding a last-gasp equaliser at home to Ipswich last weekend, a goal that helped me secure a clean sweep of winners at St Mary’s.
That means Russell Martin’s men remain in the relegation zone, something they will look to address by landing their maiden league win of the season on Monday night.
How the bookies view it: Cherries to taste victory
Bournemouth are short priced 8/13 favourites on Betano to earn what would be a first victory of the season in front of their own supporters.
A second successive stalemate involving Southampton has been chalked up as 16/5 (Betano) shot, while first Saints success of the season is on offer at 18/5 (Betano).
Head to head: Saints seeking more South Coast success
Southampton have emerged victorious from each of their last three visits to the Vitality, keeping a clean sheet on each occasion for good measure.
However, it’s worth noting that Bournemouth did bag the South Coast bragging rights when the two sides last locked horns at St Mary's thanks to a 1-0 victory in April 2023.
Players to watch: Taylor to tackle his way into trouble?
Charlie Taylor committed a foul in his first Premier League start of the season for Southampton last weekend and he stands out to do so again here at 5/6 with Bet 365. The Saints left-back will likely be pitting his wits against Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, who has been fouled seven times across his five top-flight outings this term.
Big money Bournemouth signing Evanilson is 11/10 on Betano to break his duck for his new club at the sixth attempt on Monday night.
Predicted line-ups
Bournemouth are still without midfielder Tyler Adams who is currently sidelined with a back injury.
Southampton skipper Jack Stephens won't lead his side into the first South Coast derby of the season as he is still suspended following his straight red card against Man United a fortnight ago.
Bournemouth: Kepa; Araujo, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson
Southampton: Ramsdale; Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Taylor; Downes, Lallana; Dibbling, Fernandes, Fraser; Archer
Anything else catch the eye?
Dipping into the Bet Builder market, I’m happy to propose a play on Bournemouth to score alongside Flynn Downes to commit over 1.5 fouls at 49/50 (UniBet).
Southampton have failed to shutout their opponents in each of their opening five league games of the season, shipping three away at Brentford in their previous road match.
As such, I’m prepared to back Bournemouth to make the net bulge on Monday night, but to boost the price, I’ll also go with Southampton's designated hatchet-man Downes to commit at least two fouls.
The Saints midfielder has already clocked up nine offences in five top-flight outings this term, and he is bound to be in the thick of the midfield battle on Monday night.
This English Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Southampton will be played on Sep 30, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best AFC Bournemouth vs Southampton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
