BOURNEMOUTH, Key man: Matt Ritchie

BOURNEMOUTH
Position: 4th
Points: 63
Form: DDLLDW
Up next: Fulham (a)
Sky Bet promotion odds: Evens

Key man: Matt Ritchie

Ritchie’s creativity has been a feature of Bournemouth’s free-flowing game this season with his tally of 12 assists putting him clear of every other player in the Championship. The last of those came against Huddersfield last month and it’s telling that the Cherries’ recent struggles have coincided with their winger’s quiet patch. With Ritchie rested from the starting line-up against Blackburn, his team failed to score for the first time at home all season, but he was back as they returned to winning ways against Wolves on Tuesday.

Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie tops the Championship assists charts

Beagrie’s expert view

They are not used to the pressure that has been on them but their performance levels have been outstanding considering where they have come from. It’s a case of dealing with the pressure and expectations of their own crowd. It was disappointing to hear some boos in the draw with Blackburn when they failed to score for the first time at home this season. It was a big test to see if the fans were with them and they have to stay with them. It’s fractions with Bournemouth, the difference between them winning and drawing is not being clinical with their chances because they do create. Whatever happens it has been an incredible season but Eddie Howe won’t want it to slip away.

Opta stat: Bournemouth have won 250 corners in the league this season, a Championship high