*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
We’ve a doozy at the top of the Championship on Tuesday as second-place Bournemouth host third-place Nottingham Forest.
This one could have a huge bearing in the race for the Premier League with the visitors just three points behind their hosts knowing a win would take them into the top two for the first time this season on goal difference with just one more game to play.
These are our best bets for what’s sure to be a tasty encounter!
Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest
TV: Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Football
Kick-off: 7pm
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The Draw
Nottingham Forest arrive on the South Coast having hit peak form at just the right time. Steve Cooper’s side, who found themselves in ninth place and three points outside the play-off places on April 1st, are on a run of 10 wins from their last 12 in the league, catapulting them into contention for automatic promotion.
They’ve won their last four on the bounce, including a victory away to champions Fulham, scoring 11 and conceding just one in the process. Bournemouth, meanwhile, looked a sure-fire bet for automatic promotion a few weeks ago but have been dramatically reeled in.
The home side have only lost one of their last 12 in the league and are unbeaten in eight at home. They’ve drawn half of those, however, and given the circumstances would probably take a draw here. A loss would be catastrophic for Scott Parker’s side after spending the vast majority of the season in the top two and they’ll be very wary of the danger Forest can pose given their rampant form.
There may not be much to separate these two Premier League hopefuls and we reckon the draw is a solid bet.
Sam Surridge to score first
Forest have been quick starters of late, scoring the first goal in nine of their last 11 in the league while Bournemouth have conceded first in four of their last eight. We fancy that trend to continue. Forest’s Sam Surridge has been in good goalscoring form of late, netting five in his last four, including a hat-trick against Swansea last time out.
Going back further, he’s on a run of seven goals in his last 10 games and, with Bournemouth having kept a clean sheet in just two of their last 10 at home, he looks good value to open the scoring here.
Nottingham Forest to have 8 or more shots on target
Forest clearly arrive here in buoyant mood, particularly off the back of a 5-1 mauling of Swansea which has done wonders for their goal difference which could prove vital on the final day. They managed a whopping 17 shots on target in that game and even managed six on target against Fulham despite enjoying just 25% possession.
They’ll come into this encounter with their tails up and will no doubt be going all out for a win. A draw wouldn’t suit Forest in the way it would Bournemouth, so expect Cooper’s side to prioritise attack, particularly in the second half if the scores are level.
Bournemouth v Forest betting tips
The Draw
Sam Surridge to score first
Forest to have 8 or more shots on target
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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