Bournemouth will be desperate to get their 2019 off to a positive start when they host Watford for a Premier League clash at the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday, 2 January, kick-off at 21h45 CAT.
Bournemouth come into the match having suffered a 4-1 loss away to Manchester United on Sunday evening. Though defeat at Old Trafford is no major surprise, manager Eddie Howe would have been hoping for a more resilient showing from his troops as they looked to arrest a major slide in their form.
The Cherries have lost 10 of their last 12 matches through all competitions, and on the Premier League table they have dropped from a high of sixth down to 12th. At least their excellent work earlier in the season means they are still a full 11 points clear of the relegation zone, but Howe will be urging his side not to rest on their laurels through the remainder of the campaign.
Watford’s last outing was a 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle United on Saturday, as they fought back from Salomon Rondon’s first-half goal to secure a share of the spoils thanks to an 82nd-minute equaliser from Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The Hornets have come through a tough spell in November and early December and are now picking up positive results with assuring regularity: they have lost just once in their last five Premier League matches (against heavyweights Chelsea) and have risen to a very respectable ninth place on the log.
In head-to-head stats, Bournemouth and Watford have met in seven Premier League matches. Both the Cherries and the Hornets have claimed one win, while no less than five of the games have finished in draws.
The teams’ most recent meeting was a Premier League clash at Vicarage Road in October which Bournemouth won 4-0, thanks to goals from David Brooks, Josh King (two) and Callum Wilson. Watford played much of the game with 10 men after the sending off of Christian Kabasele.
Bournemouth v Watford – Head-to-head, Premier League
Matches played 7
Bournemouth wins 1
Watford wins 1
Draws 5
Last five results (Premier League only, most recent first)
| Bournemouth | L | L | W | L | L |
| Watford | D | L | W | W | D |