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
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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
54 MINS
The ball is pumped up the field towards Lukaku, who attempts to put Barkley through on goal, but the through ball is over hit and easily collected by Fabianski.
54 MINS
The post denies Swansea's second!
Ayew volleys a strike from the inside of the area, but it only manages to rattle the woodwork.
57 MINS
Mirallas gives away an unnecessary free kick by crashing into the back of KI Sung-Yueng. That is a poor decision at such a crucial stage for his side.
60 MINS
Miallas charges into the Swansea half, before finding Baines on the left. The defender whips a deep ball into the box towards Gueye, but he is unable to control the delivery.
63 MINS
Holgate sends a cross in towards the back post, but Mirallas appears to steal the ball from Barry and he quickly looses possession.
67 MINS
Valencia finds Lukaku, who shakes off his man and fires a powerful strike at Fabianski. It is a comfortable safe, but it is his first real test.
70 MINS
Lukaku finds Holgate out wide, but once again the Everton cross is blocked by a Swansea shirt.
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