Bournemouth Head Coach Andoni Iraola Downplays European Qualification Despite Unbeaten Run

Add as a preferred source on Google

Bournemouth's head coach, Andoni Iraola, remains focused on the present rather than contemplating European qualification. His team is enjoying an 11-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, with 10 of those in the Premier League. This impressive run has propelled them to seventh place, just a point behind Newcastle United, whom they defeated 4-1 away last weekend.

Iraola emphasises that Bournemouth hasn't set specific goals yet. "We haven't set goals," he stated. Despite their excellent form, the team faces an injury crisis. "Right now, even though we are in a very good run of results, like you know, we are in an injury crisis," Iraola explained. He hopes for player recoveries to maintain performance levels and will reassess their position by March.

Nottingham Forest is also making headlines this season, currently sitting third in the Premier League table. They trail leaders Liverpool by six points. Last Sunday, Forest secured a 3-2 win over Southampton despite initially leading 3-0. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo insists their approach remains unchanged despite new pressures at the top.

For Bournemouth, Justin Kluivert stands out after scoring his second hat-trick of the season against Newcastle. This achievement brings his tally to 10 league goals this season. Kluivert joins an exclusive group of Bournemouth players who have scored 10 or more goals in a single Premier League campaign.

Chris Wood is Nottingham Forest's standout performer with 14 Premier League goals this season. This matches his best return in a single campaign from previous seasons. The only Antipodean player with more goals in a season is Mark Viduka.

Match Prediction and Statistics

Bournemouth remains unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League games (W6 D4). Only Liverpool and Arsenal have longer ongoing runs. The Cherries have scored 11 goals in their last three matches across all competitions and rank as the third-highest scorers outside the top six with 36 goals.

Forest has struggled away against Bournemouth, winning just once in their last 10 league visits since August 2014. However, Nuno's side has collected more points over the last 10 Premier League games than any other team (25 W8 D1 L1). They have also conceded fewer goals during this period than any other team.

Opta Win Probability

The probability of Bournemouth winning stands at 46.3%, while a draw is estimated at 25.1%. Nottingham Forest's chances of victory are calculated at 28.6%. Interestingly, neither team may rush to score first at Vitality Stadium; historically, the opening goal hasn't guaranteed victory between these sides.

Bournemouth's current form suggests they could continue their unbeaten streak against Nottingham Forest. Both teams have shown resilience and skill this season, making this match one to watch closely for fans and analysts alike.