Bournemouth Target Eighth as Wolves Fight to Halt Premier League Slide at Molineux

AFC Bournemouth travel to the Midlands this weekend with momentum firmly on their side as they face bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium, knowing a victory could propel the Cherries into the Premier League’s top eight.

Bournemouth arrive buoyed by one of the results of the season. Last weekend, Andoni Iraola’s side ended Liverpool’s 13-game unbeaten run in dramatic fashion at the Vitality Stadium. Moroccan international Amine Adli struck in stoppage time, capitalising on a long throw from James Hill that caused chaos inside the Liverpool box before slotting past Alisson Becker to spark scenes of pandemonium on the south coast.

That victory carried added significance. It was Bournemouth’s first win over Liverpool since March 2023 and only their third triumph in 21 meetings across all competitions. More importantly, it has placed the Cherries firmly in the hunt for a top-half finish as the season enters its decisive phase.

A win at Molineux would also complete a notable milestone. Bournemouth have the chance to secure a Premier League double over Wolves for the first time, and only the third league double over them across English football’s divisions. With favourable results elsewhere involving Brighton, Everton, Newcastle, Sunderland and Brentford, Iraola’s side could climb as high as eighth by the end of the weekend.

For Wolves, the picture is far bleaker. Relegation fears are growing as Rob Edwards’ side continue to struggle for results, particularly at home. Wolves have won just once at Molineux all season, picking up only eight points from 11 home league matches, with a record of one win, two draws and eight defeats.

Their most recent victory came in early January with a 3-0 win over West Ham United, but that has been followed by another frustrating run. A defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad last time out ended a brief four-game unbeaten streak and left Wolves rooted to the foot of the table.

Goals have been scarce. Hwang Hee-Chan, Matheus Mané and Ladislav Krejčí are Wolves’ joint top scorers with just two goals each, underlining the scale of their attacking struggles. With time running out, Wolves are staring down the threat of a historically poor campaign, edging closer to Derby County’s infamous 2007/08 points tally.

Bournemouth’s away form, however, offers Wolves a sliver of hope. The Cherries have won just once on the road in the Premier League this season and have conceded 30 away goals, the highest total in the division. That vulnerability could present Wolves with an opportunity if they can finally convert pressure into goals.

Team News

Bournemouth travel with several injury concerns. Justin Kluivert, Marcus Tavernier, Ben Doak, Julio Soler and Will Dennis are all ruled out. David Brooks will be assessed ahead of kick-off, while there is potential for a Premier League debut for Brazilian winger Rayan, signed from Vasco da Gama, alongside highly rated Hungarian youngster Alex Tóth.

For Wolves, centre-back Toti Gomes remains unavailable. Tawanda Chirewa is expected to return after missing the defeat to Manchester City through illness, while Jean-Ricner Bellegarde could feature again following a hamstring issue. Leon Chiwome, however, remains sidelined with a knee injury.

This fixture represents a crossroads for both clubs. Bournemouth are chasing belief, momentum and a top-eight finish that once felt out of reach. Wolves, meanwhile, are clinging to survival hopes and desperately searching for a spark that could revive their season. A win for the hosts would offer a rare glimmer of optimism. Anything less may push them closer to an unwanted place in Premier League history.