Prediction: Bournemouth win
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The Premier League will be back in our lives by this time tomorrow night, as fans around the world gear up for what is sure to be another action-packed season. The teams at the top of the table have strengthened, the newly promoted sides all look like they could find success this year, and the rest of the clubs will all be aiming to exceed their own expectations. One of the most notable games of the opening weekend, in our mind, comes in the form of Bournemouth vs Cardiff City.
Bournemouth
The Cherries have been able to maintain their top-flight consistency for a few years now, and under the guidance of Eddie Howe, many believe that they can make a push for the European spots in the not so distant future. Their progression has been slow and steady but the fact they ve been able to avoid relegation is an achievement in itself, and regardless of when you play them throughout the season, you often know for a fact that you re going to be in for a tough game.
Team News
Nathan Ake should return to the starting XI and Jefferson Lerma will be hoping to start, but Diego Rico is suspended and won t feature in the Cherries first three games.
Cardiff
Neil Warnock is one man that you wouldn t want to disappoint, and that s certainly going to be the case over the next few months for the Bluebirds. Out of all three promoted sides they re considered to be the most likely to experience relegation back down into the second tier, but they ve made a few interesting transfers in the summer that have left some people wondering what they can do on the big stage. They re plucky and they re frustrating to play against, which will certainly be the case again this weekend.
Team News
Danny Ward will likely be fit in time for the game, with Cunningham, Murphy and Reid all setting their sights on making their first appearances since joining the club in the transfer window.
Factors to Consider
Bournemouth are leading 18-14 in the head to head rankings, with 11 draws.
In their last meeting back in March 2015, the game finished 1-1.
This is Bournemouth s fourth consecutive season in the Premier League, whereas Cardiff haven t been in the top flight since the 2013/14 campaign.
Cardiff finished 2nd in the Championship last season.
Bournemouth finished 12th in the Premier League last season.
Conclusion
Cardiff are going to be ready for the challenge of the Premier League under Neil Warnock, but you have to question whether or not they ve got enough legitimate PL quality in their ranks to maintain their position in the division. The Cherries will likely start off at a high tempo, and while we can see the scoreline being 1-1 heading into the final few minutes, we can definitely picture Bournemouth popping up with a late winner to ensure they kick off the new campaign with three points under their belt.
Prediction: Bournemouth win
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