Bournemouth vs Stoke City live: What time does it start, where can I watch it, what TV channel is it on?
Follow the latest from the Premier League clash at the Vitality Stadium
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Stoke City could leapfrog opponents Bournemouth with a win at the Vitality Stadium this weekend.
The Potters are languishing in 12th place, below expectations for a team now blessed with some talented players, and will be looking to secure a strong finish to the season to salvage a more respectable league position.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, are sitting pretty in 10th place, which for a club of their size is impressive. Eddie Howe continues to impress by daring to deploy his squad in a fluid, attacking system and the Cherries have become somewhat a favourite for the neutrals.
A win would see them overtake Southampton until at least Sunday, when the Saints face a tough trip to Anfield, providing them with added incentive for a match between two sides which otherwise have little to play for.
Live...
What time does it start?
The match kicks off at 3.00pm BST on Saturday 6 May.
Where can I watch it?
It will not be televised live.
Highlights will be shown on BBC1 at 10.20pm BST on Saturday 6 May.
Preview
Key man Joshua King has scored 15 goals in 29 appearances and Eddie Howe faces losing him in the summer, with Tottenham reported as being big admirers of the Norwegian striker. While King has admitted he is flattered by their interest, he has reiterated the importance of staying focused for the remainder of the season and Bournemouth will be hoping he is not distracted, starting this weekend against Stoke.
Mark Hughes’ side have won just one of their last seven league games, a 3-1 victory at home to Hull, and have struggled for goals with Peter Crouch leading the way on eight, followed closely by Arnautovic who has seven. In total, they have scored 13 less league goals (37) than Bournemouth (50) but have also conceded 13 less goals than the visitors, making the encounter a difficult one to call.
Eddie Howe could hand Ryan Fraser his 100th appearance if selected, while Charlie Daniels could gain his 200th cap and captain Simon Francis is set to mark his 250th game for the club. Benik Afobe is still unavailable through a hamstring issue. Stoke have no new injury concerns and could look to re-jig a line-up which has struggled in recent weeks.
It’s a big game for…
Jack Butland: The English stopper looked sharp on his return from injury last week against West Ham and made some good saves in the 0-0 draw. Lee Grant performed well Butland’s absence but Mark Hughes confirmed his first choice keeper will retain his place this weekend. He will be keen to put in another good performance to ensure a positive end to a frustrating season.
Best stat
There has not been a draw between the two sides since 1999. No player has scored more than one goal overall in this fixture for either side in Premier League meetings: five Stoke players and three for Bournemouth.
Remember when…
19th placed Bournemouth beat Stoke, who were 3rd, 3-1 in February 2002 in League One via goals from Steve Purches, Richard Hughes and Warren Feeney.
Player to watch...
Joshua King: The Norwegian striker is subject of speculation over a summer move to Tottenham and it is no surprise, considering his goalscoring record this season. He is pacey, strong, excellent on the ball and a composed finisher, and will cause Stoke’s defence problems if the service he receives is good.
Past three-meetings
Stoke 0 Bournemouth 1
Premier League, November 2016
Bournemouth 1 Stoke 3
Premier League, February 2016
Stoke 2 Bournemouth 1
Premier League, September 2015
Form guide
Bournemouth: DLLWW
Stoke: LLWLD
Odds
Provided by 888 Sport
Bournemouth to win: 7/6
Stoke to win: 47/20
Draw: 5/2
4 MINS
Everton are pinging the ball about effortlessly, with Swansea chasing shadows at the moment.
7 MINS
Jagielka sends a ball over the top towards Lukaku, but Mawson comes crashing in to redeem possession for the home side.
9 MINS
Ayew charges down the left, but his attempted cross towards Llorente is blocked by Williams.
12 MINS
A Swans throw finds Llorente, but his attempted header on is intercepted before it falls to Ayew. The home side are starting to find their feet in this fixture.
15 MINS
There is a tussle around the corner flag involving Holgate and Carroll, but the Everton lad comes out on top and the goal kick is given.
18 MINS
Mirallas picks up the ball, he is allowed to turn and he goes for glory for 30 yards. It initially looks like a menacing strike, but it is blocked by the trailing leg of Mawson.
21 MINS
Mirallas spreads it wide to Holgate, who overcooks his cross into the box towards Gueye and it flies out of play for a Swansea throw.
23 MINS
Ayew delivers an imposing ball across the face of goal, but Williams manages to scrape the ball out of the danger zone. The home side's future in the top flight relies on the result of this game and they have finally started playing like it.
26 MINS
Sigurdsson, the set piece master, goes for goal from his free kick but it is easily collected by Stekelenburg. That will be a huge relief for the 34-year-old keeper.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments