Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth betting Tips and Stats

A single point on the final day will see Bournemouth secure sixth spot, and even if it isn’t enough to nab Champions League football come the final whistle, it’s still a monumental achievement. Plenty of players have stood out for all the right reasons this term, but it’s Eli Junior Kroupi that’s really caught my eye.

The French youngster has been key to Bournemouth’s sustained success, and will once again be a key figure as they push for a win. He’s the Cherries’ top scorer in the league this season with 13, having netted in three of his last four, and in five of his last seven. He comes into this off the back of a sumptuous strike on Tuesday that put Bournemouth a goal ahead against title chasing Man City. Against a Forest side with nothing to play for, he’s capable of making his mark again.

Forest have been much improved since the arrival of Vitor Pereira, but they still haven’t been stellar defensively. They conceded three away at Old Trafford last weekend, and have kept just one clean sheet in their last six league games. Kroupi will find the space he needs on Sunday.

Likely to partner Declan Rice in the England midfield this summer, it’s been a season to remember for Elliot Anderson. Not only has his ability on the ball stood out, but the work he puts in for this Forest side simply can’t go unnoticed. He’s a menace in the press, and whilst he’s often successful, that’s naturally going to lead to fouls.

Anderson has committed more fouls in the Premier League than any other Forest player this season, averaging 1.54 P/90 in the process. His numbers early doors this term were solid enough, but we’ve seen a sharp increase in fouls from Anderson as the season has progressed; he’s committed two fouls in three straight starts in all competitions. Go back a little further and this selection has landed in seven of his last eight starts.

What sells this for me? It’s the battle with another English star in Alex Scott. Bournemouth’s player of the season draws 1.89 fouls P/90, and his all action style makes for a supreme battle with Anderson. He’ll be supported by the likes of Adams and Kroupi, but Scott is the key to this one.

This is a pressure situation for Bournemouth. Champions League football is still a real possibility should other results go their way, but the Cherries will want to make sure they do their job regardless and record a record finish. They’ll scrap for every ball, and the situation will result in cards being shown.

As if the circumstances and game state weren’t enough for this selection, the fact that Bournemouth have put up some stellar numbers in this market only helps matters. They rank third in the Premier League this season for total cards received, averaging 2.49 per game, and only Spurs and Everton have a better hit rate for over 1.5 cards. They’ve received at least two cards in six of their last seven, and in eight of their last 10.

Four cards in each of their last two highlights just how the pressure of a European push is manifesting into cards for Iraola’s side. Forest can help matters here, their opponents have received two cards in five of their last six after all. However, this is all about Bournemouth, and the cards in this one for me are a given.