Bournemouth

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  1. Goal drought is a matter of luck - Petrovicpublished at 08:58 GMT 16 March

    Media caption,

    Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic speaking to BBC Radio Solent after the Cherries' draw with Burnley: "It was a very difficult game.

    "We were under pressure because everyone expects us to win. Burnley also have to win because of their situation.

    "The game was a bit open. We were unlucky in some situations, like the ball didn't bounce to our feet and we didn't manage to score.

    "I'm happy to get another clean sheet and the fans were very good.

    "We are making chances and playing well - we are just not scoring goals.

    "This is a matter of luck. In some situations we were unlucky.

    "In our next games I believe everything will come back and we will start scoring again."

    You can hear more from Petrovic on BBC Sounds

  2. Bournemouth analysis: Same old story as Cherries held to 14th drawpublished at 17:46 GMT 14 March

    Adwaidh Rajan
    BBC Sport journalist

    Andoni Iraola the head coach / manager of Bournemouth reacts Image source, Getty Images

    Bournemouth were denied all three points by a late Armando Broja goal when they met Burnley at Vitality Stadium in December and a draw was the result again at Turf Moor on Saturday.

    With his side becoming experts in stalemates - no team has drawn more Premier League games this season - manager Andoni Iraola said before Saturday's kick-off that another "draw is not good for us or them".

    In fact, the Cherries had looked determined to leave Burnley with a win after making a promising start.

    Evanilson was slipped into the box by Eli Junior Kroupi and rounded goalkeeper Martin Dubravka only for his effort to be cleared off the line by Humphreys only two minutes in as Iraola's side piled pressure on the Premier League strugglers.

    Four corners won by the visitors inside four minutes told the story of the opening exchanges but the Cherries failed to sustain that momentum and were lucky not to be behind at half-time as Jaidon Anthony hit the woodwork for the hosts.

    Bournemouth had chances to secure a victory in stoppage time, but Enes Unal failed to turn home Adrien Truffert's low cross from close range, before fellow substitute David Brooks could not direct a header on goal from another Truffert delivery.

    Iraola's side might be on a 10-match unbeaten run, but six of those games have ended in draws. And their 14th stalemate of the season would feel like another big chance missed as they look to reach Europe for the very first time.

  3. Burnley 0-0 Bournemouth: What Iraola & Petrovic saidpublished at 17:31 GMT 14 March

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    Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, speaking to BBC MOTD after the goalless draw against Burnley: "We had more than enough chances to score today. We had a lot of time, we had a lot of shots, but we haven't finished.

    "We arrived in good spots. We went against the keeper straight away. It is costing us a lot. Defensively, we are not conceding goals, but we are lacking on the offensive side.

    "We had more than enough chances and it's quite clear we should have scored. It's clear with the penalty. It's happened twice in a row. I can't understand how the referee and the VAR don't call it. Worrall had the clear intention of kicking him [Evanilson].

    On Hannibal tackle: "It's an orange tackle. I think yellow is enough. I understand the yellow. It can be a grey situation but the penalty isn't a grey situation."

    You can listen to more from Iraola on BBC Sounds here

    You can also listen to Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic's post-match reaction here

    Did you know?

    • Bournemouth have drawn five Premier League matches 0-0 this season, more than any other club. The Cherries have had back-to-back league games end goalless for the first time since April 2022 in the Championship, against Sheffield United and Middlesbrough.

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  4. Burnley v Bournemouth: Team newspublished at 13:59 GMT 14 March

    Burnley line up

    Burnley manager Scott Parker makes four changes from the 2-0 defeat by Everton.

    Zian Flemming shakes off an injury to start while James Ward-Prowse, Josh Laurent and Quilindschy Hartman also start for the hosts.

    Burnley XI: Dubravka, Walker, Hartman, Esteve, Foster, Anthony, Humphreys, Flemming, Ward-Prowse, Mejbri, Laurent.

    Subs: Weiss, Worrall, Ugochukwu, Edwards, Florentino, Tchaouna, Pires, Broja, Barnes.

    There are two changes from Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola after a goalless draw against Brentford.

    Adam Smith and Eli Junior Kroupi come in as Alex Jimenez and Tyler Adams miss out.

    Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Truffert, Senesi, Scott, Evanilson, Christie, Smith, Tavernier, Kroupi, Hill, Rayan.

    Subs: Mandas, Brooks, Gannon-Doak, Diakite, Jimenez, Adli, Unal, Toth, Milosavljevic.

    Bournemouth line up
  5. Follow Saturday's Premier League games livepublished at 13:40 GMT 14 March

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  6. Burnley v Bournemouth: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:56 GMT 13 March

    Chris Adams
    BBC Sport journalist

    Burnley continue their improbable fight for Premier League survival at Turf Moor on Saturday with the visit of a Bournemouth side on the league's longest unbeaten run.

    Just one league win since October - away to Crystal Palace last month - has left Scott Parker's side 19th in the table and nine points from safety. They have the worst home record and worst defensive record in the league, damning indictments of any team.

    They couldn't, could they?

    Directly above them, West Ham United are showing signs of life, but the faltering form of teams such as Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur will have given the east Lancashire outfit a glimmer of hope.

    The Clarets enter the game looking to stave off an unwanted record in front of their own fans. They're without a victory in their past 10 at Turf Moor and have never gone 11 successive home matches without winning in a season.

    A graphic highlighting Burnley's poor recent record in Premier League home games, in which they have lost seven and drawn three of their past 10.

    Last week's 2-0 defeat at Everton means Burnley have shipped two or more goals in 20 league games this term. They have conceded a league-high 58 goals, but in truth there are problems at both ends of the pitch.

    Burnley have opened the scoring in just five league games this season, fewer than any other side. The lowest number of opening goals a team has scored across a full campaign in the division is seven, by Aston Villa in 2015-16 and Norwich City in 2021-22, both of whom finished bottom.

    Iraola on a roll

    Three successive draws have extended Bournemouth's unbeaten run to nine league games (won four, drawn five), which is the best ongoing sequence in the Premier League.

    Just one league defeat in 2026 has Andoni Iraola's side sitting in a comfortable ninth position and with outside hopes of a European place.

    Ninth is where they ended up last season – the joint-best finish in their history, alongside the 2016-17 campaign – and they are in with a chance of bettering their club record top-flight points tally of 56.

    The teams shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Vitality Stadium in December, a somewhat low-key affair for two sides whose fixtures have generally been action-packed this term. Only Manchester United's games have featured more goals than Bournemouth's or Burnley's this season.

    The chart shows that Burnley and Bournemouth are joint-second in terms of clubs whose Premier League games have featured the most goals in the 2025-26 season as of 12 March 2026.

    A superb cross for Evanilson's equaliser against Sunderland earlier this month moved Marcus Tavernier to nine goal involvements for the season (five goals and four assists), meaning the midfielder is enjoying his joint-most-productive campaign for the Cherries – he also registered nine in 2022-23.

    With the knowledge that Burnley have conceded more goals from crosses than any other side in the division this season (13), Tavernier will be hoping to put his wand of a left foot to good use again.

  7. Sutton's predictions: Burnley v Bournemouthpublished at 19:54 GMT 13 March

    Chris Sutton smiling on a yellow and black background with 'Sutton's predictions' written below his face

    I remember going for a 2-0 Bournemouth win when these two sides met before Christmas.

    Bournemouth went 1-0 up, so I thought I was on to score 40 points when I heard there had been another goal late on, but it turned out to be a Burnley equaliser.

    That's the way my season has been going with predictions, but I am actually going to go for another Cherries win, and by the same scoreline too.

    I've been saying for a while that Burnley have got too much to do to stay up, and it definitely isn't happening now.

    I still think Scott Parker's side will be competitive, but I don't see them getting anything against his old club this time.

    Bournemouth have not lost in the league since 3 January but they have drawn their past three games, so they are due a win.

    Sutton's prediction: 0-2

    Read the full predictions and have your say here

  8. 'I'm back moving properly' - Brookspublished at 16:16 GMT 13 March

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    Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks has been speaking to BBC Radio Solent about his return from injury.

    Brooks missed three games across January with an ankle issue but has been involved in the Cherries last four outings, starting once."

    "I felt like it was lingering in the first couple games, but I feel like I'm back moving properly now and hopefully I can contribute more to the team," he explained.

    "I don't know the decision making process for the gaffer, I just try and make myself available if he needs to call upon me.

    "When the lads are doing well there's no reason to change it, especially from the gaffer's point of view.

    "I'm just training and playing to try get into the starting 11."

    Listen to the full interview here on BBC Sounds

  9. Iraola on Gannon-Doak, injuries and an unbeaten runpublished at 10:16 GMT 13 March

    Grace Wheeler
    BBC Sport

    Media caption,

    Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Burnley at Turf Moor (kick-off 15:00).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • Iraola gave us an update on his team news and said: "The squad is going to be the same if not very similar to the one we had against Brentford. Justin Kluivert is still far, Lewis Cook was always going to be the international break and Ben Gannon-Doak has started training with the group. He is coming back from a big injury and after surgery you have to be careful, it's still early for him today."

    • Iraola added: "I don't expect anyone else to miss the game."

    • The Spaniard said that his team "will have to play all the seconds of all the game", against Burnley despite them being placed 19th.

    • On the Cherries making progress this season: "There is still one quarter to play, we are in a good spot. There is still a lot of points to play and we want more. I hope we can finish in a good place. A few wins can make all the difference."

    • Bournemouth have not lost a Premier League game since 3 January but Iraola said: "It doesn't feel as good because the last few have been draws and we wanted more but we are still in a good place and we have the chance tomorrow. We have to focus now and every game is decisive."

    • Bournemouth went 11 unbeaten in the league last season - their best ever Premier League run - and are currently nine without a loss. Iraola said: "For me we have to use it as motivation because this season is a better run of results [compared to last season]. I hope we can do it."

    Hit play above to hear an Iraola interview with BBC Radio Solent or listen on BBC Sounds here

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  10. Can Cherries or Brentford win a ticket to Europe?published at 12:17 GMT 11 March

    Mark Mitchener
    BBC Sport Senior Journalist

    Tyler Adams holds off the challenge of Mathias JensenImage source, Getty Images

    Having bowed out of the FA Cup in the third round, Bournemouth's fans would have been able to watch the weekend's fifth-round ties dispassionately.

    While the Cherries' third-round conquerors Newcastle were dispatched by Manchester City – as Bournemouth themselves were in last season's quarter-finals – eyes may have been drawn to Monday's game between West Ham and Brentford, the teams who had knocked the Cherries out of the EFL Cup in the past two seasons.

    And it was winger Dango Ouattara, who became Brentford's record signing when they paid Bournemouth £42m for him last summer, under the spotlight after seeing his 'Panenka' penalty saved as the Bees bowed out.

    "What was he thinking?" was the common reaction. Well, Bournemouth's followers would have known it was not Dango's first rodeo. The Burkina Faso international scored with a Panenka in a penalty shootout after a Cherries pre-season friendly against Arsenal in California in July 2024.

    Ouattara was also successful from 12 yards in last season's FA Cup fifth round as the Cherries overcame Wolves. This time, his technique involved not taking a run-up. Unorthodox, but two out of two scored in Bournemouth's colours.

    And while overhauling any of the current top six may prove too tall an order for Andoni Iraola's side in their final nine league games, Brentford – in seventh place, four points above the Cherries – will firmly be in their sights.

    Battles with Brentford are nothing new. Only Brighton (114) have faced the Cherries more times in league football than Brentford (110), and when cup games are taken into account, the Bees are now Bournemouth's most frequent opponents in competitive football, with 125 games overall – although older supporters on both sides are probably still pinching themselves that it is now a regular Premier League fixture, after years spent in the lower divisions.

    What Brentford and Bournemouth will be aware of, however, is that every point is crucial when the final Premier League table is concerned – and not just because of the merit-based financial bonuses that come with each place.

    With England still on course to earn a fifth Champions League place, while the two EFL Cup finalists and four of the eight remaining FA Cup contenders reside in the top six, the chance for clubs like Brentford or Bournemouth to win a ticket to Europe has never been greater.

  11. Gossip: Three Premier League clubs want Iraolapublished at 07:23 GMT 11 March

    Gossip graphic

    Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Manchester United are all interested in Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola. The 43-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season. (i paper), external

    Celtic right-back Julian Araujo could be set for an international recall with Mexico for the first time in nine months after head coach Javier Aguirre revealed he has been in talks with the on-loan Bournemouth 24-year-old. (Scottish Sun), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  12. 🎧Will draws cost the Cherries European football?published at 14:35 GMT 10 March

     Andoni IraolaImage source, Getty Images

    Bournemouth fan Josh Wyatt discusses the Cherries' chances of earning European football with Jono Holmes on BBC Radio Solent, after Andoni Iraola's side drew five of their last nine games.

    Wyatt was asked if the draws are costly in their push for European football, and said: "If you asked me the question two weeks ago if Bournemouth would get into the European football, I would be confident but I think Bournemouth have had a really good run of fixtures.

    "If we are going to get in Europe, we need to win some of these games.

    "We have a big chance still but we do have some tough games coming up. I would have liked to have won maybe two or three of those draws because now Bournemouth have decided their own destiny.

    "If we didn't get European football this year there are still plenty of positives."

    Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

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    Will draws cost the Cherries European football?

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  13. 'Euphoria' of European football would be 'evolutionary' for Cherries fanspublished at 12:30 GMT 10 March

    Tom Jordan
    Fan writer

    Bournemouth fan's voice banner
     Andoni IraolaImage source, Getty Images

    After hitting that magical 40-point mark at the start of March, the Cherries can sit back and relax somewhat for the remaining couple of months of the season.

    There is still plenty to play for though, and with those European places only a few points from their grasp, Bournemouth fans can continue to dream about their first European adventure.

    But with sunshine - often comes rain, so in a world where the Cherries did happen to clinch a spot to compete in Europe, what are the potential pitfalls they'd inevitably face?

    It is common knowledge that the well-established elite clubs, more often than not, will have a right good time - and can continue strong Premier League campaigns alongside a nice jaunt in Europe.

    But despite a remarkable rise, Bournemouth are far from one of the giants, and we have already seen the heavy weight it can place on sides with squads of a smaller and less experienced nature.

    Both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are enjoying their own European escapades right now, but it's almost definitely meant a significant drop-off in their domestic campaigns.

    But can I really suggest that a European excursion should be avoided in case the club dip in the Premier League somewhat?

    I can not!

    Football is all about those moments, memories and euphoria you have with your friends and family in the stands - and for little old Bournemouth to be able to experience such a thing would be nothing short of amazing for their supporters.

    So I'd suggest a "cross that bridge" approach to the Cherries. Go and attack the final few months and give those fans something they've never witnessed before - it'd certainly be something we would never forget.

    Find more from Tom Jordan at Back of the Net, external

  14. Why Rayan chose Bournemouthpublished at 07:03 GMT 6 March

    Nizaar Kinsella
    Football reporter

    Rayan punches the air while celebrating a goal for BournemouthImage source, Getty Images

    Bournemouth were ultimately reliant on Rayan himself to make his move to England happen.

    The 19-year-old forward has impressed club officials since arriving at Vitality Stadium in a £24.7m deal from Vasco da Gama.

    Eye-catching dribbles and shots have produced two goals and an assist in his first six games, meaning he is delivering output beyond expectations given he had not had a pre-season.

    However, the move may not have gone through had it not been for the total buy-in of Rayan and his representatives.

    Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg and clubs in Saudi Arabia were ready to rival Bournemouth in January, while English clubs in the Champions League wanted him to wait until the summer.

    Yet, Rayan simply wanted to play regular football and avoid the fate of compatriots Endrick and Vitor Roque, who both needed to leave Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively to secure regular minutes during the formative years of their careers.

    That is why Bournemouth appealed, with Rayan refusing alternative options in a bid to play regularly after Antoine Semenyo departed for Manchester City in January.

    There remains cautious optimism on the south coast. Bournemouth's scouting suggested Rayan would be physically capable of adapting to the Premier League and, while he does not speak English, he has enough Spanish to communicate with manager Andoni Iraola.

    The deal also includes a 100m euro (£86.9m) release clause that can be activated at any time, highlighting the possibility that he could leave if he realises his potential. However, Bournemouth would still expect to make a substantial profit after avoiding the inclusion of a sell-on clause.

    Rayan, though, is not expected to push for a quick exit as he looks to build his career in Europe through a Bournemouth pathway that is becoming increasingly attractive to young players.

  15. When does 'frustration' become 'entitlement'?published at 08:58 GMT 5 March

    Mark Mitchener
    BBC Sport Senior Journalist

    Andoni Iraola Image source, Getty Images

    The feeling around Vitality Stadium at full-time on Tuesday evening was one of frustration.

    Frustration that Bournemouth had once again failed to beat their bogey side Brentford, which they have not done in a regular-season league game in 11 attempts since 2014, after creating the better chances in Tuesday's goalless draw.

    Frustration that Ryan Christie missed a gilt-edged first-half chance when through with only the goalkeeper to beat.

    Double frustration after Marcus Tavernier hit the post twice in the second half.

    Triple frustration after TV replays appeared to show Tavernier having his ankles clipped by a defender as he was about to take one of those shots. (TNT Sports co-commentator Robbie Savage, a man not known for any particular pro-Bournemouth leanings, immediately called it as a definite penalty. Naturally the Cherries camp agreed, but the video assistant referee did not).

    And while stretching their unbeaten run to nine games was welcome, there remains overall frustration that four of the last five of those games have been draws, keeping Andoni Iraola's side tantalisingly adrift of the European places, when turning two or three of those draws into wins (even at the expense of a loss or two) would surely have put them in the mix for an undreamt-of European qualification.

    On the plus side, the Cherries have reached the magical 40-point mark, surely the first objective for a club of their size still punching above their weight to even be in the Premier League, and have done so with nine games to go.

    Indeed, probably earlier than many would have anticipated after losing nearly their entire defence last summer and star forward Antoine Semenyo in January.

    But they remain 16 points shy of last season's record top-flight points tally of 56, and it would take a Herculean effort to take 16 or more points from their last nine games, as welcome as that would be.

    And at what point do feelings of frustration start to become those of entitlement over where a team supposedly "deserves" to be?

    Perhaps it would be for the best to sprinkle a sense of perspective onto those feelings of frustration.

    After all, half of the Premier League would probably rather be in Bournemouth's league position than their own – and how often has that been true?