Wolverhampton vs Bournemouth Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 31 January

Wolverhampton will host Bournemouth at Molineux Stadium on Saturday, 31 January, in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League clash. This match is crucial for both teams as they look to climb the league table. Wolverhampton, playing at home, will aim to capitalise on their familiar surroundings to secure valuable points. Meanwhile, Bournemouth will be eager to challenge their hosts and improve their position in the league.

The Premier League is renowned for its competitiveness, and this encounter between Wolverhampton and Bournemouth is no exception. With both teams striving for success, the outcome of this match could have significant implications for their respective campaigns. Molineux Stadium is set to witness an engaging battle as these two sides meet, each with their own strategies and ambitions for the season.

Wolverhampton vs Bournemouth Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both teams to score in the first half: yes	4

Despite being the home side, Wolverhampton’s form has been dismal this season, suffering 17 defeats in 23 matches. Bournemouth, by contrast, have a stronger recent record in head-to-head matchups, winning four of the last six Premier League meetings with Wolves. Considering these factors, our recommended betting tip is to back Bournemouth to win.

• Wolverhampton have a poor home record, losing 17 games this season.
• Bournemouth have a strong recent record against Wolverhampton, winning four of the last six meetings.
• Wolverhampton concede an average of 1.7 goals per game, making Bournemouth’s chances of scoring and winning higher.

Betting Odds

Wolverhampton and Bournemouth are set for a Premier League clash at Molineux Stadium, with the betting odds indicating a closely contested affair. Bournemouth are slight favourites at 2.24, while Wolverhampton are priced at 3.04, suggesting a tight match.

Betting Tip	Odds
Wolves to win	3.04
Draw	3.55
Bournemouth to win	2.24

For those looking to place a bet, the draw at 3.55 offers enticing returns, especially considering both teams’ recent form. Keep an eye on the over 2.5 goals market, as both sides have shown attacking flair in recent fixtures.

Wolverhampton Analysis & Past Performance

Wolverhampton’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches across all competitions. Their most notable performance was a 6-1 victory against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup, highlighting their attacking potential on occasion.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Manchester City	Wolverhampton	2 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	24 Jan 2026
Wolverhampton	Newcastle	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	18 Jan 2026
Wolverhampton	Shrewsbury	6 – 1 (Win)	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026
Everton	Wolverhampton	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026
Wolverhampton	West Ham	3 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
In their last five games, Wolverhampton have averaged 2.00 goals per match while conceding 0.80, reflecting a decent balance between attack and defence. However, their league form remains underwhelming, with the team positioned at the bottom of the Premier League table, having accumulated just 8 points from 23 games.

Wolverhampton’s home form has been particularly concerning, with only two wins in their last ten home matches. Despite achieving two clean sheets recently, their defensive vulnerabilities are evident, having conceded 15 goals in their last 10 matches overall. The team struggles with consistency, and their inability to maintain leads has hindered their progress in the league.

Hee-chan Hwang, the current top scorer, has netted twice, yet the lack of a reliable goal-scoring threat is apparent. Wolverhampton need to focus on improving their home performances and converting draws into wins to climb out of the relegation zone.

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Wolverhampton Suspensions & Injuries

Wolverhampton face some challenges due to injuries, notably with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Toti Gomes sidelined. Both players are expected to return in early February 2026, meaning they will miss the upcoming fixture against Bournemouth. Bellegarde’s absence in midfield could slightly hinder Wolverhampton’s creativity and ball distribution, while Toti Gomes will be missing from the defensive setup.

With Bellegarde out, João Gomes will likely take on more responsibility in midfield, supported by Jhon Arias and André. In defence, the presence of Santiago Bueno and Yerson Mosquera should help cover for the absence of Toti Gomes, maintaining defensive solidity. The current squad depth allows Wolverhampton to cope with these injuries without significant tactical shifts.

Wolverhampton’s tactical approach should remain largely unchanged, with the team continuing to employ their 5-3-2 formation. The defensive line, bolstered by the likes of Jackson Tchatchoua and Hugo Bueno, will be crucial in maintaining their structure. The attacking duo of Mateus Mané and Hee-chan Hwang will look to exploit any weaknesses in Bournemouth’s defence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Leon Chiwome	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid-March 2026
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026
Toti Gomes	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026

Wolverhampton Key Players

Leading the attack for Wolverhampton is Hee-chan Hwang, the team’s top scorer with two goals this season. Hwang’s agility and sharp finishing make him a constant threat to opposition defences. His ability to exploit spaces and deliver in crucial moments could be pivotal against Bournemouth. Alongside him, Mateus Mané will be expected to add flair and creativity to the forward line, potentially opening up opportunities with his dribbling and pace.

In midfield, João Gomes stands out as a key player. His role as a playmaker is essential for linking defence to attack and controlling the tempo of the game. Jhon Arias, alongside Gomes, adds dynamism and has the potential to shift the momentum in Wolverhampton’s favour with his energetic play and ability to break the lines. Defensively, Yerson Mosquera’s physicality and Santiago Bueno’s tactical awareness will be crucial in maintaining solidity at the back.

Expected lineup for Wolverhampton

• Goalkeeper: José Sá
• Defence: Jackson Tchatchoua, Yerson Mosquera, Santiago Bueno, Ladislav Krejčí, Hugo Bueno
• Midfield: João Gomes, Jhon Arias, André
• Forward: Mateus Mané, Hee-chan Hwang

The tactical impact of these key players is significant as they collectively enhance Wolverhampton’s strengths. Hwang’s goal-scoring prowess, coupled with the midfield’s ability to control play and the defence’s solidity, provides a balanced approach. This blend of attacking threat and defensive resilience is likely to influence Wolverhampton’s strategic setup against Bournemouth.

Wolverhampton Tactics and Formation

Wolverhampton Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-3-2
• Key Forward: Hee-chan Hwang
• Defensive Setup: Five-man defence featuring Yerson Mosquera and Santiago Bueno
• Midfield Engine: João Gomes and André
• Recent Performance: Struggled in attack with no goals scored against Manchester City

Wolverhampton’s 5-3-2 formation aims to provide defensive solidity while allowing quick transitions. The defensive line, composed of Jackson Tchatchoua, Yerson Mosquera, Santiago Bueno, Ladislav Krejčí, and Hugo Bueno, is tasked with maintaining a compact structure. This setup has seen mixed success, as evidenced by the recent 0-2 loss to Manchester City, where defensive gaps were exploited.

Offensively, Wolverhampton rely heavily on the strike partnership of Mateus Mané and Hee-chan Hwang, the latter being the team’s top scorer with two goals. The midfield trio of João Gomes, Jhon Arias, and André is crucial in linking defence to attack, although their effectiveness was limited in the last match due to Manchester City’s pressing.

Defensively, while the five-man backline aims to protect against high-calibre attacks, Wolverhampton have struggled to keep clean sheets consistently. Their ability to absorb pressure and execute counterattacks will be vital against Bournemouth, especially in the absence of Toti Gomes and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who are sidelined with injuries.

Bournemouth Analysis & Past Performance

Bournemouth’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five matches. Notably, they secured a vital 3-2 victory against Liverpool at home, which highlighted their attacking prowess, albeit with just 33% possession and defensive vulnerability that saw them concede twice.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Bournemouth	Liverpool	3 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	Jan 24, 2026
Brighton	Bournemouth	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	Jan 19, 2026
Newcastle	Bournemouth	N/A	FA Cup	Jan 10, 2026
Bournemouth	Tottenham	3 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	Jan 7, 2026
Bournemouth	Arsenal	2 – 3 (Loss)	Premier League	Jan 3, 2026

Recent Form:
Analysing Bournemouth’s away performance, they’ve struggled on the road, failing to secure a win in their last five away matches, with three draws and two losses. Their away form reveals a win ratio of 0.00, pointing to significant challenges in securing results away from home. Despite these struggles, they’ve managed to score in each of these away games, averaging 2.20 goals per match but conceding an average of 2.00 goals, which indicates a need for defensive improvement.

Bournemouth sit 13th in the Premier League standings with 30 points, largely due to their attacking capabilities, led by Eli Junior Kroupi, who has netted seven goals this season. However, their inability to keep clean sheets, with none in their last five matches, highlights defensive frailties that opponents have exploited. Overall, while their attacking output remains impressive, Bournemouth’s defensive solidity is a key area needing attention as they aim to improve their league position.

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Bournemouth Suspensions & Injuries

Bournemouth face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injury. Tyler Adams and Ben Doak are both sidelined with a late February return expected, which impacts Bournemouth’s midfield depth significantly. With Justin Kluivert out until mid-April following knee surgery, the attacking options are further limited. David Brooks, set for an early February return, could be a key player to watch once fit, potentially bolstering Bournemouth’s attacking capabilities.

Matai Akinmboni’s muscle injury and Will Dennis’s ankle injury also add to the defensive concerns, with Dennis not expected back until late March. Julio Soler remains doubtful, which further reduces the squad’s flexibility in defensive rotations. This situation may force Bournemouth to rely heavily on their current starting lineup, particularly in midfield and attack.

The absence of these players is likely to necessitate tactical adjustments from manager Andoni Iraola. Bournemouth may need to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining defensive solidity given the limited options for rotation. This could also affect their ability to press higher up the pitch or transition quickly into attack.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Matai Akinmboni	Muscle injury	Unknown
Ben Doak	Hamstring injury	Late February 2026
Tyler Adams	Knock	Late February 2026
Will Dennis	Ankle injury	Late March 2026
Justin Kluivert	Knee surgery	Mid April 2026
David Brooks	Ankle injury	Early February 2026
Julio Soler	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Marcus Tavernier	Hamstring injury	Mid February 2026

Bournemouth Key Players

Bournemouth’s attacking prowess heavily relies on their top scorer, Eli Junior Kroupi, who has found the net seven times this season. As a dynamic midfielder, Kroupi’s ability to transition swiftly from defence to attack makes him a vital asset in breaking down opposition defences. His vision and goal-scoring capabilities will be crucial as Bournemouth look to exploit any weaknesses in Wolverhampton’s defensive setup.

In midfield, Alex Scott and Lewis Cook are expected to play pivotal roles. Scott’s creativity and ability to dictate the tempo of the game provide the stability needed in midfield, while Cook’s tenacity and ball-winning skills are essential in disrupting the opponent’s play. Up front, Evanilson will spearhead the attack, using his pace and sharp finishing to pose a constant threat to the opposition’s goal.

Expected lineup for Bournemouth

• Goalkeeper: Djordje Petrovic
• Defence: Adam Smith, James Hill, Marcos Senesi, Adrien Truffert
• Midfield: Alex Scott, Lewis Cook, Alex Jiménez, Eli Junior Kroupi, Amine Adli
• Forward: Evanilson

Defensively, Marcos Senesi and Adrien Truffert are key to maintaining a solid backline. Senesi’s experience and aerial prowess, combined with Truffert’s speed and tackling ability, form a formidable defensive partnership. The tactical impact of these players will be significant in shaping Bournemouth’s approach, focusing on a balanced strategy of defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks.

Bournemouth Tactics and Formation

Bournemouth Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Evanilson
• Midfield Pivot: Alex Scott and Lewis Cook
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing with a focus on quick transitions.

Bournemouth’s 4-2-3-1 formation allows for a balanced approach, with Alex Scott and Lewis Cook anchoring the midfield. Their ability to disrupt opposition play and initiate quick transitions is crucial, especially given their recent lack of clean sheets.

Defensively, the backline of Adam Smith, James Hill, Marcos Senesi, and Adrien Truffert has struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding goals in each of their last five outings. This highlights a need for tighter defensive coordination, particularly in away matches where they have yet to secure a win this season.

Offensively, the team relies on the creativity of Amine Adli and Eli Junior Kroupi, with Evanilson leading the attack. Despite the absence of key players like Tyler Adams and Justin Kluivert due to injury, Bournemouth have shown resilience in scoring, averaging 2.60 goals per game in their last ten matches.

Wolverhampton vs Bournemouth Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, Bournemouth have the upper hand with seven wins compared to Wolverhampton’s five, with three draws. The last time these two met, Bournemouth secured a 1-0 victory at home in the Premier League. It’s been a tight contest historically, but Bournemouth seem to have the edge recently.

The last Premier League clash at Molineux Stadium saw Bournemouth come out on top with a 4-2 win. Wolverhampton will be keen to reverse this trend on their home turf, but Bournemouth’s recent form suggests they will be tough opponents.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
AFC Bournemouth	Wolverhampton Wanderers	1 – 0	Premier League	2025-08-23
AFC Bournemouth	Wolverhampton Wanderers	1 – 1 (Extra time: 0 – 0) (Penalty shoot-out: 5 – 4)	FA Cup	2025-03-01
AFC Bournemouth	Wolverhampton Wanderers	0 – 1	Premier League	2025-02-22
Wolverhampton Wanderers	AFC Bournemouth	2 – 4	Premier League	2024-11-30
Wolverhampton Wanderers	AFC Bournemouth	0 – 1	Premier League	2024-04-24