AFC Bournemouth vs Sunderland Prediction 28.02.2026 | Premier League

Currently perched in 8th place with 38 points on the board and unbeaten in the Premier League since the start of January (W3 D3), the Cherries head into this Saturday’s fixture as one of the division’s most resilient outfits under the astute management of Andoni Iraola.

AFC Bournemouth have successfully turned Vitality Stadium into a daunting venue for visitors in recent weeks, collecting seven points from their last nine available home points, a run highlighted by spirited 3-2 victories over both Liverpool and Tottenham, keeping them firmly in the hunt for European qualification.

With no fewer than 11 draws from 27 top-flight matches this season, the Cherries currently lead the league in terms of games shared points, a pattern they will need to break if they are to maintain a strong push for a top-seven finish.

However, the club faces a growing injury list that could test squad depth at a crucial stage, with influential midfielder Lewis Cook recovering from a hamstring problem and Justin Kluivert remaining sidelined.

Meanwhile, Sunderland arrive at Vitality Stadium embroiled in a troubling run of form and will be desperate to arrest the slide that has seen them drop to 12th in the Premier League table, though they still maintain a comfortable 11-point cushion above the relegation zone.

Regis Le Bris’ side have been uncharacteristically fragile on the road this season, particularly in recent weeks, suffering three consecutive away defeats while shipping nine goals and scoring just once – a defensive vulnerability that has severely undermined their early-season promise of a top-half finish.

Compounding their problems in seeking positive results away from home is a toothless attacking line that has managed only six goals in 13 top-flight away fixtures, making a repeat of their dramatic 3-2 triumph over the Cherries in the reverse fixture a tough prospect.

To make matters worse, the Black Cats are grappling with a significant injury crisis that has left the squad stripped to the bare bones, with key absentees including Reinildo Mandava, Nordi Mukiele, Bertrand Traore, and centre-forward Brian Brobbey.