Bournemouth v Rotherham
If Jonathan Woodgate wishes to keep his name in the conversation for the role of permanent Bournemouth manager, this is a must-win game.
An impressive win over Burnley in the FA Cup last week was followed up by a terribly drab 0-0 stalemate with Forest at the weekend, a game very short on scoring opportunities based on expected goals (xG: FOR 0.41 – 0.67 BOU).
That was a surprisingly poor attacking display given the quality the Cherries possess. Heading into the midweek set of fixtures, only Brentford (55 goals) have scored more goals than Bournemouth this season (43 goals from 41.0 xG).
Rotherham come into the game relatively fresh after their meeting with QPR was postponed at the weekend.
They look to be in good shape despite the predicament they find themselves in, sitting just one place and one point above a relegation spot. The Millers have taken 13 points from their last seven league games, winning their last three away fixtures.
Paul Warne’s side did concede a late winner to a rejuvenated Cardiff team last week, but they were more than competitive in that match-up (xG: ROT 1.54 – 1.68 CAR), underlining Rotherham’s current solid spell.
Not only is the result vital for Woodgate’s Bournemouth, but the performance is of importance. He needs to show he can get the best out of a very talented attacking unit for this level.
Rotherham are no slouch in that department, either, recording a better expected goals total (35.9 xG) than all of the Championship’s bottom half teams.
Much like November’s reverse fixture at the New York Stadium, which ended 2-2, goals look likely at the Vitality. As a result, the 6/5 available for BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE AND OVER 2.5 GOALS is a value pick.
Score prediction: Bournemouth 3-1 Rotherham (Sky Bet odds: 12/1)
Bournemouth v Rotherham best bets
- Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals at 6/5 (William Hill)
Posted at 1500 GMT on 16/02/21
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